tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17627360947709462382024-03-18T00:47:28.888-07:00Married to MedicineThe realities of life with a spouse in medical residency and fellowship at MGH/Dana-Farber. ElleMurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585481665526225076noreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762736094770946238.post-16796876070556094102023-12-07T10:10:00.000-08:002023-12-07T10:37:35.675-08:00Peppermint Candy Christmas Cookies<p>I don't blog anymore (NO time!) but these are SO cute and SO fun and **SO** good - I'm calling them Peppermint Candy Christmas Cookies!</p><p>I had high hopes for <a href="https://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/peppermint-bark-chocolate-chip-cookies/" target="_blank">this recipe</a> (I even used the legendary <a href="https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/williams-sonoma-original-peppermint-bark-baking-chips/" target="_blank">William Sonoma Peppermint Bark</a>) but it was simply too sweet. A bit of tweaking gave me the the PERFECT thing for anybody else who is **obsessed** with peppermint, and who knows that you can't actually beat chocolate chip cookies! Plus, they pack a satisfying crunch with the candy cane!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfzURUFBomZ9mgY6pxcWJCo3QvEHnVRhm6bUnjymQ7I4K1ayXgmK78CwXMXnnUIVInLqZiYgy6U7oq9dxQX0C0NRPNTN1LnOFPF-3uf_q_3XZ7U7ANl9PjJUXNnv0y-4M9srSReaFrLPYL8Ip3p39iGGYvikctZHrRXaYajDr4-LqkOPecEeCipiKjfqcV/s6000/719A5D14-BE03-4063-AC68-C6943A99B87C_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfzURUFBomZ9mgY6pxcWJCo3QvEHnVRhm6bUnjymQ7I4K1ayXgmK78CwXMXnnUIVInLqZiYgy6U7oq9dxQX0C0NRPNTN1LnOFPF-3uf_q_3XZ7U7ANl9PjJUXNnv0y-4M9srSReaFrLPYL8Ip3p39iGGYvikctZHrRXaYajDr4-LqkOPecEeCipiKjfqcV/w640-h426/719A5D14-BE03-4063-AC68-C6943A99B87C_1_201_a.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>Ingredients:</p><p></p><ul><li>3 cups flour</li><li>1.5 tsp baking powder</li><li>1 tsp baking soda</li><li>1 tsp sea salt</li><li>1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter </li><li>1/3 cups brown sugar (light or dark)</li><li>1/2 cup sugar</li><li>2 large eggs</li><li>2 tsp vanilla</li><li>1/4 tsp peppermint (up to 3/4 if you love peppermint)</li><li>1 cup dark chocolate chips (Ghirardelli 60%)</li><li>1 cup broken up <a href="https://www.target.com/p/andes-peppermint-crunch-holiday-chocolates-4-67oz/-/A-80037804#lnk=sametab" target="_blank">Andes Peppermint Crunch Thins</a> (or <a href="https://urlgeni.us/amzn/JE_t2" target="_blank">the baking chips</a>, if you can find them), Divided</li><li>Crushed candy cane, optional (to sprinkle - buy a jar of it)</li></ul><p></p><p>Instructions:</p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Set butter and eggs out to room temp (if you can)</li><li>Whisk dry ingredients in bowl (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt)</li><li>Beat butter and sugars till mixed and fluffy-ish; add eggs, vanilla, peppermint and then mix in dry ingredients</li><li>Slowly mix in the 1 cup of dark chocolate chips and 1/2 cup of the Andes</li><li>Bake for 10-12 minutes at 350</li><li>As the cookies cool, gently push in the remaining Andes and sprinkle with crushed candy cane</li></ul><p></p><p>Voila!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckQX0FTg1984rlhsIc-Ty5xDYKLxXRfyXYJ4dAYX7bVCLFrPTP-Y68R0dA-IWtrrXmNnInOxITy4aOwHWoN15ct7_M_8UfczMB1D_W7YhpazTZq7vZSACYuLEMvye3hsC5eZ5DBp3SWeb3C3RXmrjWDQmCXp4jKKlH_BbaJsRicH5Z-fk_IOQJ1_2Pmvi/s4626/99AF3286-1AF6-432D-9378-D1A185D6EFAB_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4626" data-original-width="3948" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckQX0FTg1984rlhsIc-Ty5xDYKLxXRfyXYJ4dAYX7bVCLFrPTP-Y68R0dA-IWtrrXmNnInOxITy4aOwHWoN15ct7_M_8UfczMB1D_W7YhpazTZq7vZSACYuLEMvye3hsC5eZ5DBp3SWeb3C3RXmrjWDQmCXp4jKKlH_BbaJsRicH5Z-fk_IOQJ1_2Pmvi/w546-h640/99AF3286-1AF6-432D-9378-D1A185D6EFAB_1_201_a.jpeg" width="546" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipOSvz95ygr012sd90iOgA9Jk1gxNAOhKAKCgXJ0QhSHjkNan5hxwfiRDyvphJMGLUIPNQVSLzqitg3ALGEk6C6zojUbpCluZUwpTUcz1nJYq4oXppUOttMJXKIA2Ni2637yLEaI5V0r4Dbge6wmLmfxWxI9_qaee3Eqcq_Po_EE8V0zMJkt2HhDJpOryM/s6000/6C8C686B-DA20-4C61-BD12-8AE7F956B28C_1_201_a.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="6000" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipOSvz95ygr012sd90iOgA9Jk1gxNAOhKAKCgXJ0QhSHjkNan5hxwfiRDyvphJMGLUIPNQVSLzqitg3ALGEk6C6zojUbpCluZUwpTUcz1nJYq4oXppUOttMJXKIA2Ni2637yLEaI5V0r4Dbge6wmLmfxWxI9_qaee3Eqcq_Po_EE8V0zMJkt2HhDJpOryM/w640-h426/6C8C686B-DA20-4C61-BD12-8AE7F956B28C_1_201_a.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Disclaimer: This blog uses Amazon Affiliate Links; commission is earned if you click through the links and make an Amazon purchase.</div><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>ElleMurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585481665526225076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762736094770946238.post-54886393152539240312022-01-06T20:15:00.022-08:002022-01-11T01:39:06.821-08:00The Best of Times, The Worst of Times: Our Quarantine ChroniclesNo idea where to start with this but it's been such an unexpected, emotional experience that I know I'll want to look back on it. I also know I've already forgotten so much ... the first few weeks were a whirlwind of panic .... So here we go.<br />
<br />
Part I: Spiral Into Darkness<br />
<br />
It was a Friday morning, January 24th. I had woken up in one of my favorite places on Earth, the first day of our annual 3-day ski trip to Sugarbush, Vermont. We had finally gotten the kids settled in ski school and were just sitting back down to quickly get some work done before hitting the slopes ourselves. Checking my Facebook messages, I noticed one from my friend Lindsey. She was writing to me and our other two close friends; we co-admin a doctor spouse group on Facebook and the summer prior had done a girls trip together in Tennessee.<br />
<br />
What she said alarmed me - she said that her husband, who was just finishing up a fellowship in pulmonary critical care (so a sub-specialist lung doctor for critical cases) was really concerned about a new virus out of China, and that he was not one who was prone to alarmism - quite the opposite. In fact, she went so far as to advise the three of us to buy masks, specifically, N95s, and to consider stocking up on food. My stomach sank. Lindsey is one of my smartest friends and also very no-nonsense. <i>She</i> wasn't prone to alarmism either. I told Mark about it and he shrugged - there really wasn't anything we could do about it at that particular moment. Might as well enjoy the rest of our trip.<br />
<br />
But the worry lingered, and the more I heard from Lindsey the more concerned I became. The problem with this virus (vs SARS and MERS) was that it it had a long incubation period during which people could be contagious without knowing they were sick - this would make it impossible to contain. She also said China seemed to be heavily downplaying the crisis, because Chinese citizens were tweeting videos that showed frantic building of massive hospitals with rows and rows of beds... and physicians falling sick and dying. A case study out of China provided to her husband concluded that the disease had the potential for neurological impact - one medical student who had it had to be kept awake or she would stop breathing. Meanwhile, even mainstream news coverage in the U.S. was disturbing. Bleak and dismal images of a total lockdown, with accounts of Chinese citizens pretty much imprisoned in their own homes. Anyone who WAS out and about seemed to be wearing full on hazmat attire. It all seemed terrifying and apocalyptic, but at least it wasn't happening here... maybe it would never reach our shores?<br />
<br />
I attempted to warn friends about the situation but was pretty much disbelieved by everybody. I was accused of "spreading mass hysteria" and even "xenophobia" - more than once - just for considering it a real threat we should prepare for. But nobody gave me what I considered to be any good, scientific reason to believe it couldn't come here eventually so I went about lightly starting to stockpile my favorite nonperishables. I never did grab any toilet paper (thankfully we had plenty). I checked Amazon for the N95 masks Lindsey's husband had recommended but they were all sold out. I thought about heading to Home Depot but someone online said they should be reserved for health care workers, plus, on social media they were deemed a sign of racism (even though actually, the only people I ever saw wearing them in my area at that time were Asian themselves). I was **so** naive at that point, it didn't even cross my mind that my husband, a lab guy, could be one of the workers lacking these masks and that within a matter of weeks I'd be scouring the internet for them, losing sleep over the studies showing that health care workers were at a much higher risk of death due to their high viral load exposures.<br />
<br />
Still, everything else around me seemed normal during those early February weeks. We continued eating out and doing everything else we would normally do. One strange and ominous day, an acquaintance told me that her daughter's Chinese school on Saturdays had been canceled indefinitely, due to fears of the virus. This was troubling - did they have reason to believe it was already here or could be at any moment? I asked around and was told (by Asian friends) that it was culturally Asian to just be extra prudent about things. Another friend told me her in-laws, who were Asian themselves, were no longer going to Asian restaurants - something I had been looking down on other people for not doing (IMO, indoor dining at that point was either safe or it wasn't, and the type of restaurant made no difference). This really wasn't adding up for me. As much as I didn't want to believe everything was true and we were doomed, I found it equally implausible that Asian culture was (according to Asian friends) basically being paranoid - when they were the ones who seemed to be following the science that to me showed no reason to believe it couldn't come here. Absolutely all signs were pointing to this being a true and imminent threat.<br />
<br />
Soon enough, it broke out in Italy. To our shock, Italy also started shutting down. The beautiful northern region we'd just visited seven months earlier for a hematology conference was devolving into what from all accounts sounded like hell on Earth. People suffocating to death because there weren't enough ventilators. Those who did get ventilators dying alone, with no chance to say goodbye to loved ones. Physicians out of masks, out of gloves, getting sick and dying. Bodies being hauled off by the truckload and stockpiled in churches. Ultimately, everyone over the age of 65 was denied care because there weren't enough beds and ventilators to go around - spiking the fatality rate to over 8%. To my sheer and total horror, as this was happening there, cases started popping up in California... Seattle... New York... and then Boston. One day in early March, Italy rush-graduated all of its medical students to help with the crisis - truly, every single day there was a new bombshell of jaw-droppingly horrifying news. Then cases started popping up just miles from us in Arlington and Cambridge - kids whose parents had been at the Biogen meeting; the parents had self-quarantined but the kids had not. I started cringing at the touch of my kids' backpacks, homework, and lunch boxes. I started being afraid to snuggle them goodnight. The rate of spread was exponential and we kept seeing those bell curves and knowing we were ON one - it felt like we were living in a ticking time bomb. New York physicians began sounding alarm bells similar to Italy's - concerns of care being rationed. The top medical journal in the U.S. (NEJM) published guidelines for how to ration care once the systems were overburdened. I was terrified that my asthmatic symptoms, which are triggered by upper respiratory illnesses and had been severe - lasting months, and including weeks of not being able to breathe without coughing in spite of multiple inhalators - meant I was a goner, or would at least need a hard-to-find ventilator, if I was exposed. Mark had been scheduled for 6 weeks of COVID care backup pending the now-expected "surge," and I worried that even he wasn't bulletproof if he were to get a high viral load exposure due to lack of PPE. We looked into alternate living situations for him. Finally, I could stand it no longer. I did one last trip to the store and pulled my kids out of school. Things were changing so quickly that the day I pulled them out, most people thought I was crazy. Fox News had relegated the entire story to a sidebar, and was pushing the idea that the seasonal flu was the real worry. But a little over a week later, our schools were fully shut down. I knew they'd never reopen that spring, and I wondered what would happen the following fall.<br />
<br />
Part II: The Strange New Normal<br />
<br />
Shortly after I pulled my kids out and hunkered down, I started feeling an immense relief. I still had a few days where honestly, my anxiety was so high that I could barely function - the only thing that helped was riding my Peloton HARD, but I could barely breathe getting started on it because I was essentially living in a state of a panic attack. But once my kids were home with me, and especially once I got through to my parents and convinced them they HAD to stay home, things felt much more in control. At that point, the only "study" we had showed that the virus could live up to 3 days on plastic so I was spending 45+ minutes washing every grocery that came into the house. It was exhausting and annoying but it seemed a small price to pay for safety. Our apartment also left a LOT to be desired in terms of space for a family of 4 to be inside of 24/7 - we literally had no yard at ALL - but that too seemed a small price to pay - my kids seemed to understand the seriousness of the situation, and other than a meltdown Claire had one day, they never complained. I purchased rollerblades for each kid so that we would have a way of getting outdoors that did not involve climbing on a structure with other kids, which was still allowed but felt unsafe. Soon, however, blading on the paths also didn't feel safe... because we were passing people (this was before masks were mandated). It is remarkable to look back on how we discovered a large, vacant parking lot near our home and it felt like SUCH a treasure at the time. I also recall that food was strange. I dropped 5 lbs during the last half of February and the first half of March, because I physically could not eat. Then once I relaxed I gained all 5 back making our favorite comfort foods like mac and cheese in the instant pot, Mark's college coach's wife's famous baked beans with bacon drippings, and what Matthew would ultimately deem "quarantine cake" because I made it so many times (<a href="https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/8372/black-magic-cake/" target="_blank">this cake</a> with the icing from <a href="http://bostonwed-murakami.blogspot.com/2011/10/black-magic-brownies.html" target="_blank">this recipe</a> - SO GOOD). Eventually, though, nothing sounded good ... I still don't know if each food took on a PTSD-element of being associated with trauma, or whether it was just that the selection on Amazon Fresh was sparse and carting groceries felt like a video game (going to the store was OUT of the question for us for 2+ months; we were at the mercy of online ordering but it was constantly overloaded and it would often take me several days to get a checkout spot - flour, eggs, butter, and even milk became HARD to come by). <br />
<br />
My lifelines at this time remained my closest Facebook friends, and thankfully included a friend who is a HR executive in Mark's hospital system... there is no way my sanity would still be intact today if not for her letting me know what was happening.<div><br /></div><div>... and that's where this blog entry stopped! I wish I had continued it last year but I got busy and distracted. The Cliff's Notes are: </div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Shortly before the surge **really** hit Boston and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/boston-globe-obituary-16-pages-coronavirus-2020-4" target="_blank">our obituary sections soared to 16-18 pages long</a>, our then-governor Charlie Baker finagled <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/02/us/coronavirus-patriots-plane-masks-spt-trnd/index.html" target="_blank">a private flight (using the Patriots' plane) of PPE gear</a> for our health care workers. This was possibly the most relief I have **ever** felt. We did end up <a href="https://www.masslive.com/coronavirus/2020/03/coronavirus-in-massachusetts-medical-students-graduate-early-to-join-the-chaotic-response-to-covid-19.html" target="_blank">rush-graduating medical students</a> to join the "front lines," but miraculously we flattened the curve before Mark's six weeks were coming due and I never really had to worry about him bringing it home to us.</li><li>During the pre-mask mandate, pre-vaccine time where it didn't feel safe to go to the store, I bartered and traded with friends and at one point ended up with like 72 eggs in my refrigerator. I also procured what I thought was a lifetime supply of Dröste cocoa powder (I was so worried they'd run out of it) - but managed to use it up, ha! </li><li>One casualty of Covid was rhythmic gymnastics for Claire. The classes went remote and they were two hours long - WAY too much for a 7 year old; I heard stories of other teammates crying through them, and I just couldn't force her to do that. Matthew's karate classes were fine remote; they were 45 minutes. I eventually got Claire back into regular gymnastics doing the XCEL team and she has thankfully been very happy with that, but rhythmic is such a fun and beautiful sport, I will always mourn this loss.</li><li>We bought a house!!! After about four months quarantining in the top half of our two-family apartment (no yard access), it was an incredible relief to move into our new home. Once we got serious about it, our favorite way of getting "out of the house" was actually walking over to see it, as it was about a thirty minute walk each way and there was nothing else to do. The night we moved in, Matthew surprised everybody by immediately setting up grow lights (he'd had Mark order for him) and getting WAY into gardening! He read all kind of books, watched all kinds of videos, and grew all kinds of produce. The first thing I did was buy an inflatable pool for the kids. That summer was incredibly blissful, enjoying having a basement, an attic, and a yard. We started feeling comfortable getting takeout. We enjoyed **lots** of bike rides to Honeycomb Creamery in Cambridge. Mark was working from home and most nights we did a family walk around the reservoir in the evening. The kids absolutely LOVED this time in their lives.</li><li>The kids went back to "hybrid" school in the fall, which I felt unsure of at first but pretty quickly felt pretty safe about - the kids in our area are great about masking, and mandates are enforced successfully. Halloween was nice - everybody went all out because we knew we'd have fewer visitors, and the kids did fewer houses too, so it was fewer treats but good stuff. I'd love for it to always be that way, instead of the mad dash for WAY too much candy! </li><li>Vaccines came out for adults that winter and into the spring!! School here went back to full days, masked. I felt quite safe about things by then; our "test and stay" program showed Covid wasn't really spreading in the schools plus, adults were vaccinated and I didn't consider the risks posed by Covid to my kids to be statistically worth continued angst. </li><li>That following summer we finally got to see my parents again; it had been 1.5 years. It was absolute heaven; I hate all the time we gave up with them, knowing how limited their time left may well be (especially with a recent diagnosis for my dad), but it **was** better safe than sorry before adults were vaccinated. We took them on a day trip to Cape Cod, dinner at Café Nuovo in Providence RI, and up to Bar Harbor, Maine for a few nights (unfortunately it was blisteringly hot). </li><li>That fall, Delta started hitting and mask mandates returned. My family snuck in a trip to Universal for my dad (he had turned 70 and always wanted to see the Harry Potter stuff) before Omicron started hitting late fall.</li><li>Mark was assigned to work the holiday block, and so I got to host my parents for Christmas. I went all out making my the most magical holiday food: <a href="https://clairesclosetblog.com/2018/12/05/cardamom-sweet-rolls-with-maple-glaze/" target="_blank">Cinnamon/cardamom rolls</a>, <a href="https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ree-drummond/tater-tot-breakfast-casserole-4607655" target="_blank">egg bake</a>, and fruit salad for Christmas morning. Rib roast, mashed potatoes, and <a href="http://bostonwed-murakami.blogspot.com/2015/09/curried-butternut-squash-and-pear-soup.html" target="_blank">pear/squash soup</a> for Christmas dinner. Homemade lasagna frozen in advance. <a href="http://bostonwed-murakami.blogspot.com/2014/12/swedish-cardamom-coffee-bread.html" target="_blank">Braided Swedish cardamom bread</a> frozen in advance. I even tracked down the veggie-beef soup my dad had mentioned over the years, that my grandmother used to make, and we had it with <a href="https://hearthealthyfoodie.blogspot.com/2012/01/yummy-cranberry-walnut-bread.html" target="_blank">cranberry-nut bread</a> - it was delicious!! Plus all my favorite cookies: <a href="https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/soft-molasses-cookies/" target="_blank">Chewy ginger molasses cookies</a> (Matthew's faves), <a href="https://leitesculinaria.com/3354/recipes-korova-cookies.html" target="_blank">Korova cookies</a> (these are incredible - be sure your flour is light and fluffy, fluff with fork if necessary, not compact - or you'll have too much flour in them), and <a href="http://bostonwed-murakami.blogspot.com/2012/02/sugar-cookie-cut-outs-with-cream-cheese.html" target="_blank">soft sugar cookie cutouts</a>.</li></ul><div>As I sit here typing this in January of 2022, the future feels very uncertain. It doesn't seem feasible for anybody to completely avoid Covid in the long run, so I am just hopeful that our vaccines will protect us from the longterm neurological effects reported by people with long covid (loss of smell, taste, fatigue, memory). I am pretty convicted that for **my family**, the risks of continuing in a social-distancing mode outweigh the risks of covid that again, seem unavoidable regardless. Even being now in a top district in the #1 state for education, both of my kids slipped in the 2020 school year; they were ultimately able to make it up but I really worry for kids with parents who don't have our same resources - to say nothing of kids in districts that didn't fare as well with virtual learning. My personal view is that this sacrifice was necessary in 2020 to protect human life before vaccines came out for adults, but it cannot be continued indefinitely which is what it would take to avoid Covid permanently. I realize some families may never feel safe enough from Covid to go on with normal life and I really feel for families in that situation. I hope the state will provide an actually-good remote only option for families that cannot afford any Covid risk; I understand there are some charter schools that existed pre-covid and were fully vitual that were actually great schools - it seems like this should be explored both for families with covid fears as well as for families whose kids actually do better with remote learning. </div></div><div><br /></div><div>I'm just wrapping this up as quickly as possible, mainly having wanted to get the big stuff down before I forget. Here are the pics!</div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRlncVhrt_Y2WmefzU4rjV2S9CU5h_rCsRfp6IgNKItB1gTPVHtO6yeGbvDROuihMfEurn_RN2UcuAM454A0NQsguO6ovWCWf-iFUYJaxMbB6bQwP4mcYF6HETY5-DrrUvmV5LRXxh0ECh48pXifghxEzXM80ccVYEivdY6wDPdAhJRQOK7y-OEREBtw=s2684" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2166" data-original-width="2684" height="515" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjRlncVhrt_Y2WmefzU4rjV2S9CU5h_rCsRfp6IgNKItB1gTPVHtO6yeGbvDROuihMfEurn_RN2UcuAM454A0NQsguO6ovWCWf-iFUYJaxMbB6bQwP4mcYF6HETY5-DrrUvmV5LRXxh0ECh48pXifghxEzXM80ccVYEivdY6wDPdAhJRQOK7y-OEREBtw=w640-h515" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seven months after we visited for a hematology conference, this region of Northern Italy became a hellscape involving streets lined with freezer trucks and bodies stacked in cathedrals. The major PPE shortage left even young, healthy hospital staff sick and dying from large viral loads. Ultimately, care was denied to everyone aged 65+ due to not enough ventilators.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6dv7F6W5QQJuHcea3mP2N8biHtowgctsI2xWMPMhBEU0hJ96mvFtzXXQ0OJ8DiwY7xsfMH1XN5ARqktHw9-RSAS5gKNK_jji9ZOHQKr29tGvDiyZVtWOdfa8_Jw4EF9RdbregL2-pDeD1hemUg2XaHxw1aYpSekCL2IlOaDL1vtSClMfx3vuU_MkVnQ=s2414" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2414" data-original-width="1576" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6dv7F6W5QQJuHcea3mP2N8biHtowgctsI2xWMPMhBEU0hJ96mvFtzXXQ0OJ8DiwY7xsfMH1XN5ARqktHw9-RSAS5gKNK_jji9ZOHQKr29tGvDiyZVtWOdfa8_Jw4EF9RdbregL2-pDeD1hemUg2XaHxw1aYpSekCL2IlOaDL1vtSClMfx3vuU_MkVnQ=w418-h640" width="418" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That last good ski trip in January 2020, on which we first heard the news.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9O5hTTIPiH9BWU84zt5XfMzNbb0ZsZ1V2Cc3ZOH0RGmToYB7OF-o6Wr-q-b0uTQziHJ1sjh32EFH53F4SIAxIxlRsl0FjbucenMj7EmpwQeZ5jcv3AaBYn11r3jG5105iuzTS-Gd0RIyhMGaFs9zPTZgubL1oPbjhOLwltd3sE0ZANWOys5F_fC5O0Q=s2048" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1152" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh9O5hTTIPiH9BWU84zt5XfMzNbb0ZsZ1V2Cc3ZOH0RGmToYB7OF-o6Wr-q-b0uTQziHJ1sjh32EFH53F4SIAxIxlRsl0FjbucenMj7EmpwQeZ5jcv3AaBYn11r3jG5105iuzTS-Gd0RIyhMGaFs9zPTZgubL1oPbjhOLwltd3sE0ZANWOys5F_fC5O0Q=w360-h640" width="360" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last social outing - Mona's century Peloton ride!<br />(At this point, I felt like the virus could be anywhere)</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjTARcxJAiGWJryj_eJR7OccN15y81sqponGvUS3QQ_98ieSnikMsCs1Wvyn5n6eCRIB9rBcsh4GpyGw7pqf5BYLuAlCj_YWRIm6lTbg65_hFgONLe41DUmUzFNrSPgz9pYqdxV0W0WvJq_VJqD2n4M9q3QQfhcfhuAa_ZqbB6MxEnAJCUzV7wdhTnfg=s3219" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2414" data-original-width="3219" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjTARcxJAiGWJryj_eJR7OccN15y81sqponGvUS3QQ_98ieSnikMsCs1Wvyn5n6eCRIB9rBcsh4GpyGw7pqf5BYLuAlCj_YWRIm6lTbg65_hFgONLe41DUmUzFNrSPgz9pYqdxV0W0WvJq_VJqD2n4M9q3QQfhcfhuAa_ZqbB6MxEnAJCUzV7wdhTnfg=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last meal out.<br />This was the last truly good food we had for a LONG time because even once we were comfortable doing takeout (half a year later), the takeout was never **that** good.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_WDQnNThdRh8JSDEmKKRNOfDLJXDLLH0aTCmieVQiGvqG5wHRwptZBAfbZB5w6jt6213WLteXIy5KQXYchjUiOO8K0p5v07cXqm5MUCjryd5XLdlDwg9FGKWTILHjJFRNVIjGF-SqWy6O25dVOq-5W3JTO8zARrkrDaBzW-qt_1zih2k6piv4o7Vh1w=s2510" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2510" data-original-width="2278" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg_WDQnNThdRh8JSDEmKKRNOfDLJXDLLH0aTCmieVQiGvqG5wHRwptZBAfbZB5w6jt6213WLteXIy5KQXYchjUiOO8K0p5v07cXqm5MUCjryd5XLdlDwg9FGKWTILHjJFRNVIjGF-SqWy6O25dVOq-5W3JTO8zARrkrDaBzW-qt_1zih2k6piv4o7Vh1w=w580-h640" width="580" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Virtual tea party with Papa during the 1.5 years we couldn't actually see them.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhF7YF9BXFQ2nRkn7qxe_BWJCPrn2-QJ9Abf5NqgbcD_eZkjFmsHZJOszD1tMFanxOj5L1K5g_Nz2_hBxWsnlPeDyWBBlqqgs3IYrIqU5tevNBD1XcbXaXA7JkELIs7ra5Wn2gBUFdyCibggZdt-Ge8zWgLmanVqF4NKNJd_1hiEEfyV5XrELhPfTzd9w=s2534" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2534" data-original-width="1980" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhF7YF9BXFQ2nRkn7qxe_BWJCPrn2-QJ9Abf5NqgbcD_eZkjFmsHZJOszD1tMFanxOj5L1K5g_Nz2_hBxWsnlPeDyWBBlqqgs3IYrIqU5tevNBD1XcbXaXA7JkELIs7ra5Wn2gBUFdyCibggZdt-Ge8zWgLmanVqF4NKNJd_1hiEEfyV5XrELhPfTzd9w=w500-h640" width="500" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Creating new spaces in our apartment, for quarantine.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8hZzTLccBAZ5WP0IuyQKBXbb0Tfoid6d8Mlp8x8_zRki7E5wJXmZ9IE-dUp4gxLceuLBBDjwogZP0tSKjOdtLPR_fVYa1tnF-9d40Rfno5d-HVeJbfijMJnVDhPqHr2rL07Ou5P1NXo8q8_--HWj6z69EJroYJOyRP1sUD-Kj3Zpok9Tuy2JG6ro0cQ=s3064" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2124" data-original-width="3064" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg8hZzTLccBAZ5WP0IuyQKBXbb0Tfoid6d8Mlp8x8_zRki7E5wJXmZ9IE-dUp4gxLceuLBBDjwogZP0tSKjOdtLPR_fVYa1tnF-9d40Rfno5d-HVeJbfijMJnVDhPqHr2rL07Ou5P1NXo8q8_--HWj6z69EJroYJOyRP1sUD-Kj3Zpok9Tuy2JG6ro0cQ=w640-h444" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing lots of Monopoly</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBOpDiuQO7Rthn9m5_cqYsvEs-snJbC01kO5TL2AR6VIIbJRo5PmhsQ6xJRokgXk5dr44ExA8bFE9OqsbJDdNUY_QWmexxDXzeDuQpZ-AO0W8T1mF4oAZ2aq7UQQQQvcRsuwyqTjR_fK6H0FmvY8lTb6UoIUwGZbYmFhY2050tgmIHEhSCk50p5oWhpA=s2354" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2128" data-original-width="2354" height="578" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiBOpDiuQO7Rthn9m5_cqYsvEs-snJbC01kO5TL2AR6VIIbJRo5PmhsQ6xJRokgXk5dr44ExA8bFE9OqsbJDdNUY_QWmexxDXzeDuQpZ-AO0W8T1mF4oAZ2aq7UQQQQvcRsuwyqTjR_fK6H0FmvY8lTb6UoIUwGZbYmFhY2050tgmIHEhSCk50p5oWhpA=w640-h578" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quarantine trend: Thin layer of cream cheese, avocado, egg, everything bagel seasoning, and balsamic glaze.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="sdf" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><a href="sdf" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-GWZkO9OuRdnbCy8y2XAR-ugUGwZ9jZzQ1xChFQvXM06Cdpf9_KQE6AmEuIMiGW9al6A2xzXt8vscdVZdE7Q0i5ZO8orspZe9hZpBUXyswmbaTLfRykmw0f4Hp3s_tBtEDkr2vtsiHILq4n8ky6pu1TQmrAHSXgUXFkh1bCv-nNlIefQMCRHCchr6-A=s3136" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2354" data-original-width="3136" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-GWZkO9OuRdnbCy8y2XAR-ugUGwZ9jZzQ1xChFQvXM06Cdpf9_KQE6AmEuIMiGW9al6A2xzXt8vscdVZdE7Q0i5ZO8orspZe9hZpBUXyswmbaTLfRykmw0f4Hp3s_tBtEDkr2vtsiHILq4n8ky6pu1TQmrAHSXgUXFkh1bCv-nNlIefQMCRHCchr6-A=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first visit!!<br />We weren't expecting to buy a home any time soon!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEig_jJ2YjKC9ZB5V1BpOhOOFUv5yu_cdX-8cnp6OSohagF-9m0qmLVKlpJSRXmqWPk4LkVR1r104WrTyWP7R3kptkdskMQGaygO_HTiaU2kR0eupB2a_rlFDvLopjBV4l1DTSIGcoRQSyjxsEu_CqbvwPA_baPyBnhxqUpHDvcyPArU2xNPa5o_572toA=s3226" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2156" data-original-width="3226" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEig_jJ2YjKC9ZB5V1BpOhOOFUv5yu_cdX-8cnp6OSohagF-9m0qmLVKlpJSRXmqWPk4LkVR1r104WrTyWP7R3kptkdskMQGaygO_HTiaU2kR0eupB2a_rlFDvLopjBV4l1DTSIGcoRQSyjxsEu_CqbvwPA_baPyBnhxqUpHDvcyPArU2xNPa5o_572toA=w640-h428" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Victory!!!!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidgcn5Jd-GPO52pLtnDbxpwIHlPXLXViIwVao_ILKhXuMkNnBQrm3VMfhOWYDmHcvYnp48145XPVz-fsKl0uq4JC0T0Vs8SLzmXIxNrpE8_LSrvAPfB__gYKVhslyUnYqhO4k8llBh_3WZx683-Q0vOz3hX8-a93vO2NS_debrcfBwVL1882qWD7982g=s3250" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2140" data-original-width="3250" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEidgcn5Jd-GPO52pLtnDbxpwIHlPXLXViIwVao_ILKhXuMkNnBQrm3VMfhOWYDmHcvYnp48145XPVz-fsKl0uq4JC0T0Vs8SLzmXIxNrpE8_LSrvAPfB__gYKVhslyUnYqhO4k8llBh_3WZx683-Q0vOz3hX8-a93vO2NS_debrcfBwVL1882qWD7982g=w640-h422" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew's gardens - his first pumpkin!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMBsAEcSZcHR4o9bwvRvV2ffL4xeq1bslSpdyvMjKLuo2yskpPMjxq6sVyZ3DvCb977t4p7xoypHD8yAtvrzurbwXcoDoAhdrI0gVq1MfeQ1TBGcLz3mU6zjgTjMqikEEpNs9vZ7zzdKJJhrgyHIhe_3hcXFTiEB5LcmhxZVZAU-BMEOmpme-0-RqNCg=s2336" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2050" data-original-width="2336" height="562" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMBsAEcSZcHR4o9bwvRvV2ffL4xeq1bslSpdyvMjKLuo2yskpPMjxq6sVyZ3DvCb977t4p7xoypHD8yAtvrzurbwXcoDoAhdrI0gVq1MfeQ1TBGcLz3mU6zjgTjMqikEEpNs9vZ7zzdKJJhrgyHIhe_3hcXFTiEB5LcmhxZVZAU-BMEOmpme-0-RqNCg=w640-h562" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Remote school. I absolutely loved being able to do window candles and decorate windowsills!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7kYaew50nWHzMe-POM7U3PX0SiURqWbHRHfWf5WMWrcQJyc83zePn0rgekU9CCvnT5JcLieFTshzUIqn3IBnmartDGMcgba37W7k8m4rMXkMy29G5BQjaKlfJRoBzXnn9_g2D91M3w7UEz_u8g-WTsXMALbgwtjmC8iaOCkyRH-uGBBGm5zz-p7dYDQ=s2488" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2128" data-original-width="2488" height="548" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7kYaew50nWHzMe-POM7U3PX0SiURqWbHRHfWf5WMWrcQJyc83zePn0rgekU9CCvnT5JcLieFTshzUIqn3IBnmartDGMcgba37W7k8m4rMXkMy29G5BQjaKlfJRoBzXnn9_g2D91M3w7UEz_u8g-WTsXMALbgwtjmC8iaOCkyRH-uGBBGm5zz-p7dYDQ=w640-h548" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of bike rides from Lexington to Concord.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifP1Xoiz3_PK_gMF6MdI48o9E2Z_1J_5-_huTvaK4wjDhhqAyWE3YS18xi-4ne5yBcofkwwvYRG0v0_T5awiho9rXEIt-Dtvg572R4vnIR5-3dnfVw8ABd39VA8b4c_wxESmL2ri767kZb7gpTL-ZWFRQV-mFZQ9_mqwBXRfy2JADeEvZj7a3yyytWXw=s3286" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2182" data-original-width="3286" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifP1Xoiz3_PK_gMF6MdI48o9E2Z_1J_5-_huTvaK4wjDhhqAyWE3YS18xi-4ne5yBcofkwwvYRG0v0_T5awiho9rXEIt-Dtvg572R4vnIR5-3dnfVw8ABd39VA8b4c_wxESmL2ri767kZb7gpTL-ZWFRQV-mFZQ9_mqwBXRfy2JADeEvZj7a3yyytWXw=w640-h424" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Snow days - we took the opportunity that year to make lots of great cookies for neighbors.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj61tFNjhQoDgtacTAbeVHmz0q-f9OjSkXn61rRRaWINjXJb59DUxmVSDrUxA94wn14vVeNm1zajKP6rV3TxpBvoa0V7Q_G1en59vtP7uUsRb8ZrS5qiEuZ8gtU6X0TCCpw3kqOgjKGYxoV8rZ53K7tfwBHQFZLRV5fVO9IL2sNB-xiQsQvfXs-pmfXxA=s2796" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2176" data-original-width="2796" height="498" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj61tFNjhQoDgtacTAbeVHmz0q-f9OjSkXn61rRRaWINjXJb59DUxmVSDrUxA94wn14vVeNm1zajKP6rV3TxpBvoa0V7Q_G1en59vtP7uUsRb8ZrS5qiEuZ8gtU6X0TCCpw3kqOgjKGYxoV8rZ53K7tfwBHQFZLRV5fVO9IL2sNB-xiQsQvfXs-pmfXxA=w640-h498" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was so fun finally being able to decorate and paint Claire's real bedroom!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCpuzfaZC6_oNpfOq3U02KLpRVnMvm9NNgT09HH5imoJF3OaybhkUWrk4uEBb7gs4Y_k8ctKCqtIGavglngAXBrqpN23LqExalmc_kdMbDlb0wOqGNnGNksvauMm9OPubKo3O18gznK-WvP6jHAM3GZstVsAGFeuXN6tXQtSJwWG2_u43iLXLsi5iBCw=s1994" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1994" data-original-width="1495" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCpuzfaZC6_oNpfOq3U02KLpRVnMvm9NNgT09HH5imoJF3OaybhkUWrk4uEBb7gs4Y_k8ctKCqtIGavglngAXBrqpN23LqExalmc_kdMbDlb0wOqGNnGNksvauMm9OPubKo3O18gznK-WvP6jHAM3GZstVsAGFeuXN6tXQtSJwWG2_u43iLXLsi5iBCw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally!!! Huge relief!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwoEFc_NgWEeWfa-CrFZUiOexwkI3X6_JNjl-pREAhCgxyjKoXxtXXJQnEPSZjjkwl0UvYOD_UYWH0ZGtXurJpyKBf-T90jh4sfcoiGxRfU9DWqivQHIOS2n_GXkIjofNzQ8NHAgeDGKqjc892SOrj7dzO_qAFZmMdCEnUiysUtAXToU_jXgzygJD7yA=s2500" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2500" data-original-width="1686" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwoEFc_NgWEeWfa-CrFZUiOexwkI3X6_JNjl-pREAhCgxyjKoXxtXXJQnEPSZjjkwl0UvYOD_UYWH0ZGtXurJpyKBf-T90jh4sfcoiGxRfU9DWqivQHIOS2n_GXkIjofNzQ8NHAgeDGKqjc892SOrj7dzO_qAFZmMdCEnUiysUtAXToU_jXgzygJD7yA=w432-h640" width="432" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Matthew got into beekeeping after taking a community course with Mark.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sadly, the bees ended up dying (some food we tried to make them for wintertime melted on them)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">but we will try again next spring!</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWuW4wCUy8Gj4hRUM7HctODnMCtb87ktsU1ZSXgwzPfFVsOWRlIM_CIAd5btIdEZBOH8BVfrI6Kp5WrpFFi-CcTll2KfoYYEkNsBjb9zeZsNWS2ii3EYJurgkkMpBl8jVrP1v86SY1tOMTfHVaonOtvMU9TGIV9BuwiGySV0yTSItd_1rHhcBJLXdmMA=s3048" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2542" data-original-width="3048" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWuW4wCUy8Gj4hRUM7HctODnMCtb87ktsU1ZSXgwzPfFVsOWRlIM_CIAd5btIdEZBOH8BVfrI6Kp5WrpFFi-CcTll2KfoYYEkNsBjb9zeZsNWS2ii3EYJurgkkMpBl8jVrP1v86SY1tOMTfHVaonOtvMU9TGIV9BuwiGySV0yTSItd_1rHhcBJLXdmMA=w640-h534" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best. Day. EVER.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVDy6yWRMi7Ymp2xJCjz32qq-7ixcwijyKp2-QcRTUjludfAsm-uRfugMyVmPffmr6dsvcaUV4egWgIgY-FU3gU-fG55GxmGlLtrFnGbuYnTrSGMkwS2JpVeHk2yHwJpPQuxr6ElYf6GYJF79vEEB2z5Ycfil-lTlEpTanxV0C1K6xtrEBU3t3EkTy7w=s3229" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2179" data-original-width="3229" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVDy6yWRMi7Ymp2xJCjz32qq-7ixcwijyKp2-QcRTUjludfAsm-uRfugMyVmPffmr6dsvcaUV4egWgIgY-FU3gU-fG55GxmGlLtrFnGbuYnTrSGMkwS2JpVeHk2yHwJpPQuxr6ElYf6GYJF79vEEB2z5Ycfil-lTlEpTanxV0C1K6xtrEBU3t3EkTy7w=w640-h432" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seeing Mark's family again in Michigan. Revisiting old traditions like The Cherry Hut.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQrRVjs1esDlKM3egbpmvFAioSu24Fp9F1VVbxiPKPZLhh_WTXOZTuUPqOVtqDcvm6I7d5lmVWgQXe0LPSOGfmRf6_KTSsMQni5TkIbWtzPT-DO-2Vs-YBHWnItsPAxOU90ojfBdOsC5ngPfNyAFsgYqE_OVdAPBB3ydT9UzWSYD99FjxUCd4vjAWoIA=s2413" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2413" data-original-width="2139" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgQrRVjs1esDlKM3egbpmvFAioSu24Fp9F1VVbxiPKPZLhh_WTXOZTuUPqOVtqDcvm6I7d5lmVWgQXe0LPSOGfmRf6_KTSsMQni5TkIbWtzPT-DO-2Vs-YBHWnItsPAxOU90ojfBdOsC5ngPfNyAFsgYqE_OVdAPBB3ydT9UzWSYD99FjxUCd4vjAWoIA=w568-h640" width="568" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Only two dates so far since 2019! This was a great one.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOjSWjep0VV3I9bv-ARngzKAHijnBPs2-1aYHa7mm6UEHeTxX1MfegdaomnIrJsvkQoZpN0FC2HPpypcv8N3twxwa-bdFm37VgDin2Blvm6BxWfi50ECoWW27Z1jZHSNFXll8fq4uD0CMCZdYyw_DkoQ3y7pgPss6qgqnKwKsxJXxojyTj6TMxsaYUhg=s2412" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2412" data-original-width="2411" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgOjSWjep0VV3I9bv-ARngzKAHijnBPs2-1aYHa7mm6UEHeTxX1MfegdaomnIrJsvkQoZpN0FC2HPpypcv8N3twxwa-bdFm37VgDin2Blvm6BxWfi50ECoWW27Z1jZHSNFXll8fq4uD0CMCZdYyw_DkoQ3y7pgPss6qgqnKwKsxJXxojyTj6TMxsaYUhg=w640-h640" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That fall, Mark did an Ironman - he barely trained for it. It was in the mountains of upstate New York (Lake Placid)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMgiPgD8T0hYALt0W0Y99d15jDATpfSna98RPu2SD4WKOp8Ucy4axX2IPIXWjNtVcy8AkF1R3RcoUgPGXLcG_fdHnPQlGgGn1OC8u5V5RQznvyHFRcWF2fbpu5d9rFJhg79GRbHrvPICFjKISRXzcnbvwCS1lwYYJbV75xZkCZ80HJsRSiU1STJVG1ng=s2886" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="2886" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMgiPgD8T0hYALt0W0Y99d15jDATpfSna98RPu2SD4WKOp8Ucy4axX2IPIXWjNtVcy8AkF1R3RcoUgPGXLcG_fdHnPQlGgGn1OC8u5V5RQznvyHFRcWF2fbpu5d9rFJhg79GRbHrvPICFjKISRXzcnbvwCS1lwYYJbV75xZkCZ80HJsRSiU1STJVG1ng=w640-h542" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Universal turned out to be one of my favorite family trips of all time. We had such a fun time seeing my brother and his family again - I believe we didn't see them for Christmas 2019 so it had been possibly nearly 3 years!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6WDy8M9QTGY59ckPcdxmDj05-p3PnxA9I957A-d8i2wBXNXBpBRux2HJZTPDVEdOvyCbxyT6OZomQP4MTR-gm7cQZbCtfNlstBXZG-hLATG2MsLRosxsacSxPaDlMFdzhBF9POVsoGsyx5V51KEecIXB0MDsqGuVLJl4fO_osyOjftd8hbdNkjDSq5g=s2368" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2368" data-original-width="2248" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi6WDy8M9QTGY59ckPcdxmDj05-p3PnxA9I957A-d8i2wBXNXBpBRux2HJZTPDVEdOvyCbxyT6OZomQP4MTR-gm7cQZbCtfNlstBXZG-hLATG2MsLRosxsacSxPaDlMFdzhBF9POVsoGsyx5V51KEecIXB0MDsqGuVLJl4fO_osyOjftd8hbdNkjDSq5g=w608-h640" width="608" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A New England feast of local foods from Fresh Pond Seafood (amongst others). Last great meal at our old dining room table!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgL09VKUbqF-O_Wd9_nfeM9_ukc6sBo8ubp6iz4qojxIauKoZzJ5ikCoiXV5m1LJmUO8r_slfSnzD1GIlfgotq5_7GpimXj1DfZd5g5kXncZfj6a_dJ3RFylV4GugYCwevLF-pr23ZeE24pdmWXQ2V6dzPGCituE2wLCn-MbzAi3HToPCFL1WcYn8ugSw=s2414" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2414" data-original-width="1810" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgL09VKUbqF-O_Wd9_nfeM9_ukc6sBo8ubp6iz4qojxIauKoZzJ5ikCoiXV5m1LJmUO8r_slfSnzD1GIlfgotq5_7GpimXj1DfZd5g5kXncZfj6a_dJ3RFylV4GugYCwevLF-pr23ZeE24pdmWXQ2V6dzPGCituE2wLCn-MbzAi3HToPCFL1WcYn8ugSw=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blueberry picking, summer 2021.</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNl8qB2PPl1p2A36hubJnkjpOvPgwpwwPknQKEndZtyCk5euGe-zF1SEqlMSSylFa9Hr6LfgFhkIJaLoXFqr4TkbNMsxP-sTsxZdw6NUblpXYSEILP8Np51mHRO0JiftVK6SoBso_mcZKmjG87Sasx6xTOsZWdSvkiTXA9wMz0TdFEbAX-BfpYrBiuyw=s2830" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2322" data-original-width="2830" height="526" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNl8qB2PPl1p2A36hubJnkjpOvPgwpwwPknQKEndZtyCk5euGe-zF1SEqlMSSylFa9Hr6LfgFhkIJaLoXFqr4TkbNMsxP-sTsxZdw6NUblpXYSEILP8Np51mHRO0JiftVK6SoBso_mcZKmjG87Sasx6xTOsZWdSvkiTXA9wMz0TdFEbAX-BfpYrBiuyw=w640-h526" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The house did need a few more touches; we added built-ins and did a fireplace makover! Before...</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh76T1Dckpm-gVK0qCEa85x0pb_cZYMuH-knyzm5Lg5rmkXTwjWnKRd_JAxosTgLARd127-Gswo41EzHC7oE1n5zzFSoIEXJrYzl0VjPjWsyhnJFGliulRSe06-7Dmb8TRDEeH_YP8xC3wGZ20c3_LtUGmqQJHrLEY1sb7Fvf3NVIC-5fhCIFGiA7LPWg=s1080" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1080" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh76T1Dckpm-gVK0qCEa85x0pb_cZYMuH-knyzm5Lg5rmkXTwjWnKRd_JAxosTgLARd127-Gswo41EzHC7oE1n5zzFSoIEXJrYzl0VjPjWsyhnJFGliulRSe06-7Dmb8TRDEeH_YP8xC3wGZ20c3_LtUGmqQJHrLEY1sb7Fvf3NVIC-5fhCIFGiA7LPWg=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... and after!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTKSBVVLbVeKOhrjLKij4gVrEJ-3lz_ZyW_NW6KCM26Bels9mBP5d7VWPufT0tmbPGWygt88PSvU1qkZxjWn3hIG-yMBjm57m7bUZFmrtoomPMFQgJB9sIvilPtaGeYc4Mxv8C035bIXJMsv_8bmnC9NlbP_wsdll5Q8cjJ9lqyQij1K_7pkAfXWMQVA=s3219" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2414" data-original-width="3219" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTKSBVVLbVeKOhrjLKij4gVrEJ-3lz_ZyW_NW6KCM26Bels9mBP5d7VWPufT0tmbPGWygt88PSvU1qkZxjWn3hIG-yMBjm57m7bUZFmrtoomPMFQgJB9sIvilPtaGeYc4Mxv8C035bIXJMsv_8bmnC9NlbP_wsdll5Q8cjJ9lqyQij1K_7pkAfXWMQVA=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark's dad had always wanted to see Manzanar, so we did a trip out west. <br />Claire insisted we rent this - she loved i!!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEdCEVl4h8DWfd_ZAQsfV1y-W09v1kVGu6eNiioNPaHm1tcbroh3TZDK1Mpic-EE_z-lZ8MH10ASNI3y7nFa4kVwtJU_mHKka5NcBhhVNMEsNxUmBKqcvOXgKMzoiGsIoVx33DYE3qa-uW2gW_-PtaVkOnkaqtiiyapi_YRL78XrIgmcw2MUIPXXrC2Q=s3219" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2414" data-original-width="3219" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgEdCEVl4h8DWfd_ZAQsfV1y-W09v1kVGu6eNiioNPaHm1tcbroh3TZDK1Mpic-EE_z-lZ8MH10ASNI3y7nFa4kVwtJU_mHKka5NcBhhVNMEsNxUmBKqcvOXgKMzoiGsIoVx33DYE3qa-uW2gW_-PtaVkOnkaqtiiyapi_YRL78XrIgmcw2MUIPXXrC2Q=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great shot in Yosemite!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjR77A7FOvh8Lma2lli5HRsySHaFY7OxadakxaWgTbJQpZkRYSGJUqN95yYLSQJe_B_MlJ-YCxNoCtHV3VoGK9fGURQoKridicuxK2E8LgmLRL0YdY4c3LkAeVqjYcjGQ_oHqvtQfhuKNtbMgCVq-kzQbGpzhlEU4lbvnJBM-Q_AuZQ1C4tKkKtnZUY0w=s1404" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1044" data-original-width="1404" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjR77A7FOvh8Lma2lli5HRsySHaFY7OxadakxaWgTbJQpZkRYSGJUqN95yYLSQJe_B_MlJ-YCxNoCtHV3VoGK9fGURQoKridicuxK2E8LgmLRL0YdY4c3LkAeVqjYcjGQ_oHqvtQfhuKNtbMgCVq-kzQbGpzhlEU4lbvnJBM-Q_AuZQ1C4tKkKtnZUY0w=w640-h476" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark and I snuck off to bike the Golden Gate Bridge!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcA7LlDBeuUH-EvzdrLal9cscBFYIb7Pxn1RwL5tJb_x_LFReXPdDwznp76MmWqoFGASloEGoP0QI1P72NW_knaTDy-HCqBjJA2gJaQDkZjgaZvVuxvdq1UFVeSIOemWkpXpHJLJtjzW0ciVnrDSRuY_erXGxwl0wBXO_i8f6edaVEHnGMgfOJWODgkA=s2640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2412" data-original-width="2640" height="584" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcA7LlDBeuUH-EvzdrLal9cscBFYIb7Pxn1RwL5tJb_x_LFReXPdDwznp76MmWqoFGASloEGoP0QI1P72NW_knaTDy-HCqBjJA2gJaQDkZjgaZvVuxvdq1UFVeSIOemWkpXpHJLJtjzW0ciVnrDSRuY_erXGxwl0wBXO_i8f6edaVEHnGMgfOJWODgkA=w640-h584" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was kind of creepy - a nice little adventure!</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitHpRqRxOYI2hRQHqC4EnF5I9EvFa_6MNFvcvxuTMvgEsniw6lvZhtd1ibiVlu6kiIYRqjEnm3L_-OsGDp6uCRUF94rYr8du_jIUCSiyJiIajdT1K24lEnP0aUfceRYid2YNRF5_Mm4aCg9h4-RMEYXst0asgMFKQt0n2i2JV3J9gv7iCbD2EMS7MQew=s3116" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2454" data-original-width="3116" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEitHpRqRxOYI2hRQHqC4EnF5I9EvFa_6MNFvcvxuTMvgEsniw6lvZhtd1ibiVlu6kiIYRqjEnm3L_-OsGDp6uCRUF94rYr8du_jIUCSiyJiIajdT1K24lEnP0aUfceRYid2YNRF5_Mm4aCg9h4-RMEYXst0asgMFKQt0n2i2JV3J9gv7iCbD2EMS7MQew=w640-h504" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Christmas morning breakfast.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRLexAPJ5cAXWJRIidiwHpYaDH9d0jnt2CWklJp5BcBkUdayePeIt-2hvczHVEjhf8zKidIRnVrB6obXHnef86CvNnzgfAYlUdjzosLJn30-985Iphfs3zKQpBMhSsz8HzKokCWz8FptZ5b4BN2SXrRa-dMXyrQ3Jkcf5l6IzXqaLskz_8LBt6RDfnLQ=s2554" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2542" data-original-width="2554" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRLexAPJ5cAXWJRIidiwHpYaDH9d0jnt2CWklJp5BcBkUdayePeIt-2hvczHVEjhf8zKidIRnVrB6obXHnef86CvNnzgfAYlUdjzosLJn30-985Iphfs3zKQpBMhSsz8HzKokCWz8FptZ5b4BN2SXrRa-dMXyrQ3Jkcf5l6IzXqaLskz_8LBt6RDfnLQ=w640-h636" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Decorating cookies with Nana.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUFh7fO6ARv_37Dgwh6jsMJgV5ek4294YSfz4_r8TuSdPar3LQZUmT_JV4RwS8itHoXJf5PT8bKiTLUOFH0cWmA_7hDXyGtLLYTCrPPnBi5BWcaacetafErY9bMERyvAC19LrPHtdJpfYZlGy1BumhHF7UwZmpCCS5oBYez2hRLPmNHxU_DY1KyMVj3w=s2832" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2542" data-original-width="2832" height="574" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUFh7fO6ARv_37Dgwh6jsMJgV5ek4294YSfz4_r8TuSdPar3LQZUmT_JV4RwS8itHoXJf5PT8bKiTLUOFH0cWmA_7hDXyGtLLYTCrPPnBi5BWcaacetafErY9bMERyvAC19LrPHtdJpfYZlGy1BumhHF7UwZmpCCS5oBYez2hRLPmNHxU_DY1KyMVj3w=w640-h574" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and the best dad <3</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCzYadWabkbRXCwwEcLHH8ePkKBLsJXRARXB4p6fI5sMxCY1l4cTnMx4zw7puxm8EfgKbkoK2x5oZDYy97Lf6wN-IhQ0l1QLWwmCK4z2DZeAfdnqbE3GpC_y9p5S3EVCPBJo52jfPMOFfOGKTMxT4jYD32Ss3cku5iL9u8ZsDAubJ6xUxlc_MSX0Bsrw=s2624" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2066" data-original-width="2624" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjCzYadWabkbRXCwwEcLHH8ePkKBLsJXRARXB4p6fI5sMxCY1l4cTnMx4zw7puxm8EfgKbkoK2x5oZDYy97Lf6wN-IhQ0l1QLWwmCK4z2DZeAfdnqbE3GpC_y9p5S3EVCPBJo52jfPMOFfOGKTMxT4jYD32Ss3cku5iL9u8ZsDAubJ6xUxlc_MSX0Bsrw=w640-h504" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Matthew and his new swords. Probably last time he'll let me pick his clothes out.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxmTKZZYJRIvC0zcZyB0ozZDOaLkkVg0p8LucAa9BF5kGDEHzY9g0d74nVnXtdt7uOTBZXYv2Ut6J5e53_n5RtJYsCi-WDzZBcz3jPpqoNZQl7FmLDxsrz0OVldrNabosCPlUgB1hnK1Sdb1_nvS0UAvryXeZUDlxFemYf4_C2drLqr290CLZrDqMp9A=s2246" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2246" data-original-width="1808" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhxmTKZZYJRIvC0zcZyB0ozZDOaLkkVg0p8LucAa9BF5kGDEHzY9g0d74nVnXtdt7uOTBZXYv2Ut6J5e53_n5RtJYsCi-WDzZBcz3jPpqoNZQl7FmLDxsrz0OVldrNabosCPlUgB1hnK1Sdb1_nvS0UAvryXeZUDlxFemYf4_C2drLqr290CLZrDqMp9A=w516-h640" width="516" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally after all these years, my own built-ins with my own treasures. </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br />ElleMurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585481665526225076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762736094770946238.post-46102949240964226742018-09-07T10:07:00.000-07:002018-09-21T08:02:44.250-07:00Our Epic Europe Trip (with Itinerary)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="color: #999999; font-size: x-small;">* FTC Disclaimer: <i>Married To Medicine</i> is affiliated with many companies including, but not limited to, Amazon, and purchases made through blog links often generate a small % commission.</span><br />
<br />
NOTE: You can click the pics to enlarge them. I don't think I got the videos to work :( If anyone knows how, let me know! Also, be sure to scroll down to the bottom for my travel tips!<br />
__________________________<br />
Y'all. It's been forEVER since I updated this blog. I didn't even do a post about how Mark finally finished training (all 15 post-college years of it) and accepted a faculty position here, at DFCI/Harvard. We're permanent Bostonians! But I can't miss capturing our family's biggest adventure yet. And many of you have asked for the itinerary, so here it goes!<br />
<br />
Now, let it be known that I would <i>never</i> have set out to plan a 3-week trip to Europe - it was insanity, cost-wise, planning-wise (literally 100+ hours; I planned it myself because I felt the travel agent my parents were going to use was ripping us off - and I did it for way cheaper, and we stayed in much nicer places) and logistics-wise, especially with two kids (ages 5 and 7) and my aging parents (my mom's knees are bad enough right now that it was a major consideration daily). It started with Mark having a conference to attend in Sweden. I've blogged before about how <a href="http://bostonwed-murakami.blogspot.com/2018/01/cardamom-sweet-rolls-with-maple-glaze.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>his mother embraces her Swedish heritage</b></span></a> - cooking, baking, decorating, even the church community they're a big part of has strong Swedish roots. He wanted to seize the opportunity and take her to Sweden - she'd never been! And since he'd flown Iceland Air before, he'd seen more than his share of those enticing advertisements for the stopover. In case you didn't know, if you fly Iceland Air, you can stop for up to 8 days in Iceland for FREE. Meaning, you pay for ONE plane ticket (ours were to Sweden) and you get to see two countries. So - Iceland, Sweden, and then Mark also wanted to visit a French friend/colleague of his who has a vacation home in Provence (specifically, the coastal town <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Le_Lavandou" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Le Lavandou</b></span></a>). I had met his wife (also an MD/researcher) and child a few times back when they were in Boston for a sabbatical research year, plus I was <i>dying</i> to get back to France after having majored in French and spent a college year studying there, so it sounded like a great plan. I then realized that since I'd be in France and adjusted to the timezone, I should stay after Mark had to go back, meet up with my parents, and knock a few more areas off my bucket list. I don't even remember how Switzerland got roped into it but it did, and the trip was now 4 countries and 8 towns long. Here's as brief a summary as I can muster:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Iceland (2 days)</span><br />
<br />
Iceland was fascinating; I definitely recommend it, especially as a stopover. It's an isolated country with a population no bigger than that of Madison, WI, that was 100% uninhabited until the 800s, when it was settled by Norwegians. Due to its isolation, the spoken language didn't change much over the centuries and it amounts to Old Norwegian - so old that modern Norwegians couldn't understand it. It is frigid - we wanted winter coats and hats in August - and basically seemed very bleak, plus the island has active volcanos ... I was fascinated by the fact that it had ever been settled by anybody, honestly, and I wondered if having such a close-knit community (they actually have to check a registry when they start dating to make sure they're not too related) was what got them through the near-perpetual state of winter. Iceland remained isolated until recent decades - just 50 years ago, it wasn't uncommon to travel by horse and not own a car. In WWII the U.S. basically plopped down an air force base that eventually became the main airport and current source of tourism. Tourism has has been of huge benefit to Iceland's economy, which at the turn of the 20th century was not only the poorest in Europe but was 100x poorer than the next poorest country in Europe, according to our guide.<br />
<br />
We saved a ton of money in Iceland by staying in an <a href="https://www.airbnb.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>AirBNB</b></span></a> (we otherwise would have needed two hotel rooms). It was my first time booking one and I was nervous but as long as you choose one that already has a ton of great reviews, it'll be great. If you have a rental car, be sure your AirBNB (or hotel) has parking. ALSO - when you rent cars in Europe, pay close attention because a lot of them are manual rather than automatic - even if you're using a common U.S.-based company like Hertz, you need to be careful when booking.<br />
<br />
Most visitors to Iceland will want to hit the <a href="https://www.bluelagoon.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Blue Lagoon</b></span></a>, a really cool looking natural hot spring/spa. it's near the airport, which is about 45 minutes from the main town (Reykjavik), so most people do it on their way into or out of town. You need to book tickets in advance. We took a redeye, rented a car, and drove immediately here, arriving at 7am - you could take a bus from the airport, but you'd need to lock your suitcase in a hut near the parking area. Be sure to have your shampoo (lots, because the silica that makes the water naturally blue makes your hair stiff), cream rinse, moisturizer, etc., ready (packed separately, so you can grab them from your suitcase and take them in) - they make you shower beforehand it's pretty much impossible to not get your hair wet in those showers, so you're going to actually swim. Try for a morning spot since some reviews say it gets dirty by the afternoon. Food in Iceland is expensive, so if you're on a budget consider bringing your own food (unless you're a foodie and it's your main reason for going, like me).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_svvZABW0Ag/W4x4uIOdNwI/AAAAAAAAjDg/AXp7k5LAzFMlZIIz8h1siBJjKQSq4X2dACLcBGAs/s1600/g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_svvZABW0Ag/W4x4uIOdNwI/AAAAAAAAjDg/AXp7k5LAzFMlZIIz8h1siBJjKQSq4X2dACLcBGAs/s640/g.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outside of the Blue Lagoon: Freezing, near-barren land with natural hot springs.<br />
* You can click ANY of these pics to enlarge, and many are BEST viewed that way!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The other big thing to do in Iceland is a <a href="https://yourdaytours.is/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>"Golden Circle" tour</b></span></a>. It's a tour that hits some of the highlights closest to the main city, Reykjavik - we saw waterfalls, geysers, tectonic plates and more. I definitely recommend it; we were exhausted from our red-eye and the blue lagoon (day 1) so it was a great way to spend day 2. We wouldn't have had the energy to get to all these places ourselves, and we loved hearing all the interesting tidbits from our tour guide on the bus.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AyjQ7igLuc4/W4x8ZNrj0JI/AAAAAAAAjDs/o33OMZhzl-0BwESZ1sUTPIMIII7wnTvUgCLcBGAs/s1600/e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AyjQ7igLuc4/W4x8ZNrj0JI/AAAAAAAAjDs/o33OMZhzl-0BwESZ1sUTPIMIII7wnTvUgCLcBGAs/s640/e.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fam pic on the Golden Circle Tour. #Tired</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E8GCCy-L3ho/W4x8gMKxStI/AAAAAAAAjDw/6fK3tfGUM-Y1gN4h5nj7q_M2j6G4ViDtACLcBGAs/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E8GCCy-L3ho/W4x8gMKxStI/AAAAAAAAjDw/6fK3tfGUM-Y1gN4h5nj7q_M2j6G4ViDtACLcBGAs/s400/a.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m3ve50E1CAE/W4x8yv4Tq_I/AAAAAAAAjEA/NOYUHWEZeK4bl20NQpfxC5WJUrnaYnnUACLcBGAs/s1600/f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m3ve50E1CAE/W4x8yv4Tq_I/AAAAAAAAjEA/NOYUHWEZeK4bl20NQpfxC5WJUrnaYnnUACLcBGAs/s320/f.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our tour guide brought some traditional iIcelandic food - smoked lamb on flat rye pancakes and "ale," a nonalcoholic drink that tasted like really sweet beer (they mix it with orange soda and that's their traditional Christmas drink!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I5xE_msGWGM/W4x82BqvNKI/AAAAAAAAjEE/u21VQ7O4W5wIbocGaqTv4SAogbzfPAvSQCLcBGAs/s1600/b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I5xE_msGWGM/W4x82BqvNKI/AAAAAAAAjEE/u21VQ7O4W5wIbocGaqTv4SAogbzfPAvSQCLcBGAs/s320/b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Icelandic horses are unchanged since the 800s due to the country's isolation. Icelanders are very proud of this fact and it is prohibited to bring a horse into the country - even it was a horse originally born in Iceland.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Trying so hard to keep this short (hahaha...) but I can't not mention our best food find. <a href="https://sandholt.is/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Sandholt</span></b></a> is a cafe in the center of Reykjavik with downright incredible pastries and hot chocolate. It's not cheap, but it really was amazing - even compared to what I've had in France.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XRmYmH-1uLs/W4x8rBKGZsI/AAAAAAAAjD4/ZzwQQvEzOLka39UBSgWuFDmzTddZEMVfgCLcBGAs/s1600/c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XRmYmH-1uLs/W4x8rBKGZsI/AAAAAAAAjD4/ZzwQQvEzOLka39UBSgWuFDmzTddZEMVfgCLcBGAs/s640/c.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amazing hot chocolate at<b><span style="color: #a64d79;"> <a href="https://sandholt.is/" target="_blank">Sandholt</a></span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />Sweden (3 days)</span><br />
<br />
Next up, we flew from Reykjavik, Iceland to Stockholm, Sweden. Again, the "stopover" in Iceland was free so we only paid for the Sweden ticket. Such a great deal, both for travelers and for Iceland's economy!<br />
<br />
I was downright enchanted with Sweden, even though we only had a few days here. It's beautiful, the food is fantastic (I personally love seafood, dill, pickled things, potatoes, and pastries!) and I've always been fascinated with nordic/Scandinavian culture. I would love to go back someday and see more of the countryside or other coastal towns.<br />
<br />
For this portion of the trip we stayed in a centrally located hotel and did not rent a car. It was easy to get from the airport to the center of town by bus (it took a little longer but was significantly cheaper than the direct shuttle). I recommend selecting a hotel by reading <a href="https://fave.co/2bmFqWx" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>TripAdvisor</b></span></a> reviews. Honestly, TripAdvisor is the best thing ever.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PwtjKE2zNxk/W40WOgHblOI/AAAAAAAAjEY/WqE3WxIPcX4Orer-4GVFzJexoY-FLgU5wCLcBGAs/s1600/a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PwtjKE2zNxk/W40WOgHblOI/AAAAAAAAjEY/WqE3WxIPcX4Orer-4GVFzJexoY-FLgU5wCLcBGAs/s640/a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stunning Stockholm.<br />
* You can click ANY of these pics to enlarge, and many are best viewed that way!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I1ssP9UWceE/W40WelNxHLI/AAAAAAAAjEg/w8f8Qxz4tpw1Unh1jykybmeJzbgLXmn8QCLcBGAs/s1600/b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-I1ssP9UWceE/W40WelNxHLI/AAAAAAAAjEg/w8f8Qxz4tpw1Unh1jykybmeJzbgLXmn8QCLcBGAs/s640/b.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mother/daughter pic under overcast skies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rEDu6CknX_o/W40XgOhLqvI/AAAAAAAAjEw/Zu-CUnI9dNgH_pdMZmq5biTKvPFv0XczACLcBGAs/s1600/a1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rEDu6CknX_o/W40XgOhLqvI/AAAAAAAAjEw/Zu-CUnI9dNgH_pdMZmq5biTKvPFv0XczACLcBGAs/s400/a1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My MIL's first meal in Sweden - Swedish meatballs in old town!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VSfCgHBNmXo/W40Xn7Tgi6I/AAAAAAAAjE0/iMF3pzVaW1863cIRYoaHArXFHZYLZ_wZgCLcBGAs/s640/a4.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was an incredible family memory; how neat is it to take someone somewhere they've had a lifelong interest in?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The two best attractions in Stockholm (based on tons of reviews I read) are the Vassa Museum and Skansen. The Vassa Museum is a fascinating restoration of a sunken Swedish war ship from the 1600s. You could spend an entire day there; I would allocate a solid 3 hours even with kids. The information is fascinating and it was highly educational - you'll get some history, physics, art, and even biology since the bones of many who went down with it have been recovered and analyzed, and are stored and visible at the museum (Matthew was fascinated).<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lBs9cERghFc/W5KzAKl64EI/AAAAAAAAjg4/TvpwKoGLAekIpfaUQj2ZGf3ad200U5J0QCLcBGAs/s1600/v1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lBs9cERghFc/W5KzAKl64EI/AAAAAAAAjg4/TvpwKoGLAekIpfaUQj2ZGf3ad200U5J0QCLcBGAs/s640/v1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vassa Museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t95sVLNlNrI/W5KzAKwemhI/AAAAAAAAjg8/pOVxLjFQg5kjqmU-WC5uj2_B7FWjoiMIwCLcBGAs/s1600/v2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t95sVLNlNrI/W5KzAKwemhI/AAAAAAAAjg8/pOVxLjFQg5kjqmU-WC5uj2_B7FWjoiMIwCLcBGAs/s640/v2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vassa Museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-sSTnc0EgstM/W40X6MHnUfI/AAAAAAAAjE8/8fuZIXHl7oQghau8sraAYCmB-SkPUp4UACLcBGAs/s1600/a2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
Skansen is a living, outdoor museum that has everything from remakes of old shops and houses to zoo-like areas that feature animals native to Sweden. It was fascinating and I wish we'd had more time here.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9KIFgmQC4do/W40YHLVRYsI/AAAAAAAAjFE/W1DOYbsleqQFq-AH7WlnKD-QH01aDSsdgCLcBGAs/s1600/a7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9KIFgmQC4do/W40YHLVRYsI/AAAAAAAAjFE/W1DOYbsleqQFq-AH7WlnKD-QH01aDSsdgCLcBGAs/s640/a7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Skansen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cypoeOtnld0/W40YHQGZTtI/AAAAAAAAjFI/lNwPQYI1TF8CjBaRKNqX51eN8_gW4ma4gCLcBGAs/s1600/a8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cypoeOtnld0/W40YHQGZTtI/AAAAAAAAjFI/lNwPQYI1TF8CjBaRKNqX51eN8_gW4ma4gCLcBGAs/s640/a8.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous city view from Skansen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Another really great thing to do is to take a boat to one of the archipelago islands. We were lucky that my MIL had had a Swedish host student back in 1998/99 and the student, now a mom of 3, and her mother met up with us and took us on one of these (you can buy tickets day-of, just head to all the boats near downtown). We had lunch on the island at the most adorable, picturesque cafe. It was delicious and a perfect day spent with the nicest people.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MoXoidOXcZQ/W40YWR2R_EI/AAAAAAAAjFU/1llBAILvRKAl42x-V3VbdKo2AzOzftFPwCLcBGAs/s1600/h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MoXoidOXcZQ/W40YWR2R_EI/AAAAAAAAjFU/1llBAILvRKAl42x-V3VbdKo2AzOzftFPwCLcBGAs/s640/h.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the boat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2cby9lywi5E/W40YoKzIWGI/AAAAAAAAjFk/aRDmMH1c49QAI9x8nBeJLVuDCHZxKvldACLcBGAs/s1600/c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2cby9lywi5E/W40YoKzIWGI/AAAAAAAAjFk/aRDmMH1c49QAI9x8nBeJLVuDCHZxKvldACLcBGAs/s640/c.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adorable lunch spot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SbxMP5TksGw/W40bpu3E8QI/AAAAAAAAjF0/jYb4--KhiPMRCUgQsAfGMrAceE7ZXip-gCLcBGAs/s1600/a5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SbxMP5TksGw/W40bpu3E8QI/AAAAAAAAjF0/jYb4--KhiPMRCUgQsAfGMrAceE7ZXip-gCLcBGAs/s640/a5.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Out of a storybook!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JyC6PkW_gJw/W40buql4SCI/AAAAAAAAjF4/Pj3J0CQPrFs1Ih_xD-4y8veQblXObGEigCLcBGAs/s1600/b1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JyC6PkW_gJw/W40buql4SCI/AAAAAAAAjF4/Pj3J0CQPrFs1Ih_xD-4y8veQblXObGEigCLcBGAs/s640/b1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Swedish feast with our Swedish friends.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ky7QoO-fH2E/W40b06HEtiI/AAAAAAAAjF8/E1VxKnv_ViQTg2IXs22vvsY0d7ueDLDZQCLcBGAs/s1600/e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ky7QoO-fH2E/W40b06HEtiI/AAAAAAAAjF8/E1VxKnv_ViQTg2IXs22vvsY0d7ueDLDZQCLcBGAs/s640/e.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dessert was to DIE for!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-36yG9v4u9EE/W40b4j16aBI/AAAAAAAAjGA/wW20XH0sgxIEsK0EHDG66Ip3BX8eT0KxQCLcBGAs/s1600/g.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-36yG9v4u9EE/W40b4j16aBI/AAAAAAAAjGA/wW20XH0sgxIEsK0EHDG66Ip3BX8eT0KxQCLcBGAs/s640/g.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cute shot on the island.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Food - if you're on a budget, no problem. I could have eaten cardamom buns all day long. Similar to cinnamon rolls but with the complex spice of cardamom.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WC4YnQngk2Q/W40c2ELqUCI/AAAAAAAAjGY/fKty0rIHcm8WhHpAVXrMx6MfcGW9dQlVgCLcBGAs/s1600/i.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WC4YnQngk2Q/W40c2ELqUCI/AAAAAAAAjGY/fKty0rIHcm8WhHpAVXrMx6MfcGW9dQlVgCLcBGAs/s400/i.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Le Lavandou - Provence, France (3 days)</span><br />
<br />
After Stockholm, we said goodbye to my MIL and flew to Nice, France (on the southern/Mediterranean coast) to visit Mark's friend/colleague Jerome and his family. They own a vacation home and Jerome is into sailing, so this part of the trip involved relaxing in a smaller type of town and sailing in the afternoons. The sailing was amazing - we put anchor down and went diving off the boat, and the water was such a crystal clear blue that we could see about 40 feet down to the sand on the bottom. The food was incredible; I've found the food in Southern France to be significantly better than in the North - it's all about the produce.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OW6pHi7xR4M/W40eOAN6oOI/AAAAAAAAjGk/yk9Z-tFDtDAtH2l30M7QPgRuUoVpesOmwCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_558b.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OW6pHi7xR4M/W40eOAN6oOI/AAAAAAAAjGk/yk9Z-tFDtDAtH2l30M7QPgRuUoVpesOmwCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_558b.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clearly a sailing town!<br />
*You can click ANY of these pics to enlarge, and most are BEST viewed that way!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PTMAmo1oLyo/W40efQkjNVI/AAAAAAAAjGs/Ia65B_8dG0wWUKsqEJOb4nuq_Kx1TD8twCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5587.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-PTMAmo1oLyo/W40efQkjNVI/AAAAAAAAjGs/Ia65B_8dG0wWUKsqEJOb4nuq_Kx1TD8twCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_5587.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simply adorable.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5pW_t7KFF-E/W40ek7E-caI/AAAAAAAAjGw/hmCvlgiEpJMWgW2UtM2AnsI4-3xVIr-bwCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5580.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5pW_t7KFF-E/W40ek7E-caI/AAAAAAAAjGw/hmCvlgiEpJMWgW2UtM2AnsI4-3xVIr-bwCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_5580.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jerome and Alexa made us amazing meals with local produce, hams, and other goods. The salads especially were just divine.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7YfXRMnUFqQ/W40mmrq-UmI/AAAAAAAAjHw/fW98GFf5kLYC5Q3m-VTFpul0C3sCFVvcQCEwYBhgL/s1600/fullsizeoutput_58ae.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7YfXRMnUFqQ/W40mmrq-UmI/AAAAAAAAjHw/fW98GFf5kLYC5Q3m-VTFpul0C3sCFVvcQCEwYBhgL/s640/fullsizeoutput_58ae.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sailboat buddies!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jtVxYxEeTTo/W40mnPfbCEI/AAAAAAAAjH0/4xL5-9ft3xUpet2yDpMMlWUpqwyx7tLnwCEwYBhgL/s640/fullsizeoutput_58b8.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Captain Jerome. I thought this was pretty cool - he's the only doctor in France that Jehovah's Witnesses with blood cancers see. He developed some way to treat them without transfusions. He and Mark are kindred spirits. We just love this family.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jtVxYxEeTTo/W40mnPfbCEI/AAAAAAAAjH0/4xL5-9ft3xUpet2yDpMMlWUpqwyx7tLnwCEwYBhgL/s1600/fullsizeoutput_58b8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jtVxYxEeTTo/W40mnPfbCEI/AAAAAAAAjH0/4xL5-9ft3xUpet2yDpMMlWUpqwyx7tLnwCEwYBhgL/s1600/fullsizeoutput_58b8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KmsFC7P1rvs/W40mv8sbK-I/AAAAAAAAjHs/3B0tP9GpscAm_BJe_FlHAajwfAjrvdhNACEwYBhgL/s1600/10000000_2188458364558404_6039324931345350656_n.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="484" data-original-width="854" height="362" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KmsFC7P1rvs/W40mv8sbK-I/AAAAAAAAjHs/3B0tP9GpscAm_BJe_FlHAajwfAjrvdhNACEwYBhgL/s640/10000000_2188458364558404_6039324931345350656_n.mp4" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swimming off the sailboat in the Mediterranean!!! One of the very top highlights of the trip.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I should note that this part of the trip was not without adventure. Our flight to Nice was delayed and got in very late, and we had a 2 hour drive ahead of us in a foreign country with kids. We learned the toll system on the fly (sometimes you take a ticket, sometimes you pay). And Claire's motion sickness got the best of her - we barely saved the rental car by balancing some cardamom buns we were bringing Jerome and Alexa on the center consul and having her use the bakery box. Thankfully it was a very good box, for a pastry box!!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Nice (2 days)</span><br />
<br />
Nice is beautiful but it's super urban and touristy. It was our least favorite city of the trip. I had anticipated this so we only had two nights here - and that was only by necessity, so Mark could fly out early one morning. It was really just the most logical place to meet up with my parents and head to the Alps!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9T4kVxvw2U/W40hj3Tz6mI/AAAAAAAAjHA/tO_vHKFAap0BxdNH5ESiK6O4wOXVMOmFQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5593.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z9T4kVxvw2U/W40hj3Tz6mI/AAAAAAAAjHA/tO_vHKFAap0BxdNH5ESiK6O4wOXVMOmFQCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_5593.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool view from the hotel.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JYjv7SVSh74/W40mmxFI9tI/AAAAAAAAjH0/PAM2jz4FSOM3VDkPJ7Bm3iyFuchklE7eQCEwYBhgL/s1600/fullsizeoutput_58af.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JYjv7SVSh74/W40mmxFI9tI/AAAAAAAAjH0/PAM2jz4FSOM3VDkPJ7Bm3iyFuchklE7eQCEwYBhgL/s640/fullsizeoutput_58af.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">*Almost* sophisticated.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2UsrBXrXtyI/W40oS4QC2PI/AAAAAAAAjH8/0UjuJj5SXW4ispHteZANPjDLVm22i5CFgCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_58ad.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2UsrBXrXtyI/W40oS4QC2PI/AAAAAAAAjH8/0UjuJj5SXW4ispHteZANPjDLVm22i5CFgCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_58ad.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We did have an incredible meal of crepes here. If you're not familiar, creperies in France serve savory crepes called "galettes" so you really can make a whole meal of crepes - and you definitely should!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-meHRpLHXkyQ/W40r7C7ad2I/AAAAAAAAjIQ/ykgTX_7rDV4tlSyx0nvUPp4LG1zxK8BIgCLcBGAs/s1600/nice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-meHRpLHXkyQ/W40r7C7ad2I/AAAAAAAAjIQ/ykgTX_7rDV4tlSyx0nvUPp4LG1zxK8BIgCLcBGAs/s640/nice.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ladies in the city.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Vibubv0dPc/W484FCDH7mI/AAAAAAAAjRk/XDmTI74NiPcxWDU2oncsBMhHnnESz5puACLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_55b7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4Vibubv0dPc/W484FCDH7mI/AAAAAAAAjRk/XDmTI74NiPcxWDU2oncsBMhHnnESz5puACLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_55b7.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was pretty hot out, and lots of ice cream was eaten.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4GMUNHx_P4Q/W40sF88YHBI/AAAAAAAAjIU/SpZXkRb8FoIDgIsOhvzcgSY_vKJflHl_ACEwYBhgL/s1600/40494765_1843526552349090_3516311303150895104_n.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="362" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4GMUNHx_P4Q/W40sF88YHBI/AAAAAAAAjIU/SpZXkRb8FoIDgIsOhvzcgSY_vKJflHl_ACEwYBhgL/s640/40494765_1843526552349090_3516311303150895104_n.mp4" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Claire learned to dive!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br />Annecy, France (3 days)</span><br />
<br />
So here comes the part of the trip from my bucket list - from here out it was just me, the kids, and my parents. I'd wanted to see Annecy and Chamonix during the college year I spent in France, but train strikes foiled my plans. Not to be caught off guard again, my parents and I flew from Nice to Geneva, rented a car, and did easy 45 minute drives between the airport, Annecy, and Chamonix. Y'all...<br />
<br />
I.<br />
<br />
Am.<br />
<br />
In.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-large;"><b>LOVE</b></span><br />
<br />
With these little towns. Oh my GOSH. Annecy is STRAIGHT out of a dream - you could picture Beauty & The Beast happening here. It's centered around a stunning, crystal clear lake that has breathtaking backdrops of the Alps and is the perfect temperature for swimming. The actual town itself is an old medieval town with an equally stunning river running through its heart. I have to be honest here and tell you that we splurged on our hotel. We booked a really nice one that was right by the swimming beach and had an utterly glorious breakfast spread and outdoor dining each morning - it was about a 20 minute, mind-blowingly beautiful walk into town. This portion of the trip captured my personal version of total vacation perfection. I wish I'd had a full week here to bike the lake, swim, hike, and explore the town. Those things plus the food here, which was French with Alpine influences (think fondue and LOTS of cheese), are my idea of heaven.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RKLJAax5sL4/W43KEoVtX-I/AAAAAAAAjJ4/wCiOm4siCYEhc_YfX2q-wq6j1KyTJL7YQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_561a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RKLJAax5sL4/W43KEoVtX-I/AAAAAAAAjJ4/wCiOm4siCYEhc_YfX2q-wq6j1KyTJL7YQCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_561a.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The old town during the day - to DIE for! You have GOT to click this pic and enlarge it!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ihaSXqTBs6w/W43KMAre-LI/AAAAAAAAjJ8/jROon1X-U0QidYFvKh0SuHtQNI3pb2_sACLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5610.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ihaSXqTBs6w/W43KMAre-LI/AAAAAAAAjJ8/jROon1X-U0QidYFvKh0SuHtQNI3pb2_sACLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_5610.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view - this one at night. Click to enlarge!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PtONDCIa9O0/W48uogvAtkI/AAAAAAAAjQQ/LQmjVcTTlMAnIfgj49wvyf75CNjXSPVJACLcBGAs/s1600/x7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PtONDCIa9O0/W48uogvAtkI/AAAAAAAAjQQ/LQmjVcTTlMAnIfgj49wvyf75CNjXSPVJACLcBGAs/s640/x7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yet another cute view, this time with Papa <3!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-asQNsvf_1ts/W48wybhKIhI/AAAAAAAAjQ4/zGNtgS4g0a0OhYc6HlUu5OjfHhvkK0vdACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-asQNsvf_1ts/W48wybhKIhI/AAAAAAAAjQ4/zGNtgS4g0a0OhYc6HlUu5OjfHhvkK0vdACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2034.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This adorable decorative door to nowhere reminded me of Claire's favorite book, "<a href="https://amzn.to/2M8Bfhn" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Flower Fairies Magical Doors</b></span></a>."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
It was REALLY hard to narrow down my pics of the lake.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kQiVCpRMpdQ/W43Lh8RqB4I/AAAAAAAAjKY/D83YwdyjROEMYK1b9L0CwhdnCx4uShGXACLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_55de.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kQiVCpRMpdQ/W43Lh8RqB4I/AAAAAAAAjKY/D83YwdyjROEMYK1b9L0CwhdnCx4uShGXACLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_55de.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What a trip for them!! (Click to enlarge)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2t7VNtTkuh0/W43Lo16cLiI/AAAAAAAAjKc/uBGQkfq466QlJUjkDCxOpqhddPk6y3SIQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_55e4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2t7VNtTkuh0/W43Lo16cLiI/AAAAAAAAjKc/uBGQkfq466QlJUjkDCxOpqhddPk6y3SIQCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_55e4.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heaven. (Click to enlarge)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSJAmyax0cc/W43L11pvulI/AAAAAAAAjKk/oDp70dH6Qh47yT_Lk7pfhlgQ4v-5rtOSwCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_55d9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSJAmyax0cc/W43L11pvulI/AAAAAAAAjKk/oDp70dH6Qh47yT_Lk7pfhlgQ4v-5rtOSwCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_55d9.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This pic captures the water color pretty well. Click any pic to enlarge!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uWNwTj44SqI/W43Nedf4ckI/AAAAAAAAjK0/ENWXV1EDoJMoot5PNe3ww4Rod7oL9qgVwCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5622.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uWNwTj44SqI/W43Nedf4ckI/AAAAAAAAjK0/ENWXV1EDoJMoot5PNe3ww4Rod7oL9qgVwCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_5622.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Seriously - out of a dream. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HsbVUpdauWM/W5KbrMq_37I/AAAAAAAAjf4/KSxXMdrggYAYc95bCax9r1gLwe903d4CQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_55e9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HsbVUpdauWM/W5KbrMq_37I/AAAAAAAAjf4/KSxXMdrggYAYc95bCax9r1gLwe903d4CQCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_55e9.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And here are some breakfast views:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L3G4zWj5n-I/W43PEI7O6UI/AAAAAAAAjLQ/FkevKZKoukkHVCZhFgA6XbtijjVK1j03wCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_55c3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-L3G4zWj5n-I/W43PEI7O6UI/AAAAAAAAjLQ/FkevKZKoukkHVCZhFgA6XbtijjVK1j03wCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_55c3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of lake from hotel at breakfast. These were the most glorious mornings I have ever known.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BsP2Gpu5rlA/W48tnTkabnI/AAAAAAAAjP8/qiRPH1K3t8EEgigUt2lYt8XLZrxHR5mGQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_58c3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BsP2Gpu5rlA/W48tnTkabnI/AAAAAAAAjP8/qiRPH1K3t8EEgigUt2lYt8XLZrxHR5mGQCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_58c3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More of the same.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aTVSqmeEbi8/W43PEIBq7OI/AAAAAAAAjLM/Bqd8HIICHx4NpQyMaBi4BKtjX18f6p7TACLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_55c4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aTVSqmeEbi8/W43PEIBq7OI/AAAAAAAAjLM/Bqd8HIICHx4NpQyMaBi4BKtjX18f6p7TACLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_55c4.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Best breakfast of my life!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RpZhujABfpQ/W43PFVHaM2I/AAAAAAAAjLY/krdSUfWMniESyWWhcqZBL4PSDX9tF3IpwCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_55cc.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RpZhujABfpQ/W43PFVHaM2I/AAAAAAAAjLY/krdSUfWMniESyWWhcqZBL4PSDX9tF3IpwCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_55cc.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mmmmmm.... I've been longing for French yogurt, baguettes (with butter and jam), and REAL hot chocolate for 17 years now!! My daily breakfast back when I lived in France. I couldn't get enough of these simple things, even though the breakfast buffet had lots of other, much fancier stuff.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The hotel also had a dessert buffet that was to die for!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r6bCtCLJqKg/W48vcY9aszI/AAAAAAAAjQY/nWbveZQFpw4fNoGg4lKzeC5J914kZ3O4gCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5626.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r6bCtCLJqKg/W48vcY9aszI/AAAAAAAAjQY/nWbveZQFpw4fNoGg4lKzeC5J914kZ3O4gCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_5626.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just one side of this ah-mazing dessert dome!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TZh597NazrU/W48vybqH3UI/AAAAAAAAjQo/PQIgDqWciNQXF4jZZV9jAqq-SwoKUCHyACLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5628.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TZh597NazrU/W48vybqH3UI/AAAAAAAAjQo/PQIgDqWciNQXF4jZZV9jAqq-SwoKUCHyACLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_5628.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">They were in heaven.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4pyzhVLFNes/W48xgmypvmI/AAAAAAAAjRI/9oLE1Xl1F28HDFpoIdWa__RnPtF3aKdPgCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_562f.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4pyzhVLFNes/W48xgmypvmI/AAAAAAAAjRI/9oLE1Xl1F28HDFpoIdWa__RnPtF3aKdPgCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_562f.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My personal spread (we just did one night of this)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Cheese lovers - take note that fondue, Raclette, and Tartiflette (shown) are some of the Alpine-influenced regional specialities commonly found in Annecy and Chamonix.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XOG3QgP7uV0/W48wYtaTkSI/AAAAAAAAjQw/KedqAo2l3L4OHl2Mhfo1hfEHD1mzGOPEQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_58c1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XOG3QgP7uV0/W48wYtaTkSI/AAAAAAAAjQw/KedqAo2l3L4OHl2Mhfo1hfEHD1mzGOPEQCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_58c1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tartiflette (cheese, potatoes, ham)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On a personal note, the kids really were great on this trip. They are pretty seasoned travelers since we live so far from family, and through sheer luck (I take no credit - P.S. we sleep-trained, did time-outs, I had epidurals, and they get lots of screentime and a fair amount of sugar, haha) they actually really love each other and are the best of friends.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N86VDElJyYE/W48xWSK1NkI/AAAAAAAAjRE/ldigu6XQXyo4mrPsOoOWvc7nE5sLbCQGwCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_58bf.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N86VDElJyYE/W48xWSK1NkI/AAAAAAAAjRE/ldigu6XQXyo4mrPsOoOWvc7nE5sLbCQGwCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_58bf.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eye masks for sleeping are a godsend if you're sharing hotel rooms!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-snZcE1L8ar0/W48xVlNYUCI/AAAAAAAAjRA/0Fh0-zXUg1IOvtbF0tJhXjYihcz5d2EQwCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5614.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="425" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-snZcE1L8ar0/W48xVlNYUCI/AAAAAAAAjRA/0Fh0-zXUg1IOvtbF0tJhXjYihcz5d2EQwCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_5614.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And here's a view of the beach from when we actually went swimming.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZW5BOIK_BWA/W48yNGmpyEI/AAAAAAAAjRY/1HXIzBWB0UQygnrM01pjpr5XD2NOdBhCwCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_58c0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZW5BOIK_BWA/W48yNGmpyEI/AAAAAAAAjRY/1HXIzBWB0UQygnrM01pjpr5XD2NOdBhCwCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_58c0.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Literally felt like heaven. Really great ice cream stand right on the beach too!<br />
* You can click ANY of these pics to enlarge, and most are BEST viewed that way!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Food rec - if you're in Annecy, don't miss <a href="https://fave.co/2Cifr2S" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>La Folie Royale</b></span></a>. It's a little cafe owned by a Brit and his French wife, and the lunch, tea, coffee, and hot chocolate were all divine. Plus we all agreed the ice cream was out of this world - even better than the famous ice cream at <a href="https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g187260-d4993575-Reviews-Glacier_des_Alpes-Annecy_Haute_Savoie_Auvergne_Rhone_Alpes.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Glacier Des Alps</b></span></a>. I yelped it <a href="https://www.yelp.com/biz/folie-royale-annecy?hrid=XGM8FpLpWP-_4SqsoY_xoA&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">here</span></b></a> if you need more info. And good news if you don't plan to travel to Annecy - the downright incredible tea we got here is available (and not even that expensive!!!) on Amazon! If you want to cozy up with a super flavorful cup of cinnamon tea this fall, check out <a href="https://amzn.to/2Qcrceb" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Hot Cinnamon Spice by Harney & Sons</b></span></a>. It involves three types of cinnamon, orange peel, and sweet cloves and is the best tea I've ever had.<br />
<br />
Pics from Folie Royale - my dad out front, and the amazing "Italian dream" plate I had for lunch. You can click to enlarge.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qksbdDH8uJ8/W5Kc3TS7IiI/AAAAAAAAjgE/EealqD-bIV4ijCNk6kkL5XSbK1iwfGSXQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_561b.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qksbdDH8uJ8/W5Kc3TS7IiI/AAAAAAAAjgE/EealqD-bIV4ijCNk6kkL5XSbK1iwfGSXQCLcBGAs/s320/fullsizeoutput_561b.jpeg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v1DYOEOZQxk/W5Kc3s_7o5I/AAAAAAAAjgI/DA43a-FU6NQP0oPAxi5A1po9PSWQxbDegCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_561d.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v1DYOEOZQxk/W5Kc3s_7o5I/AAAAAAAAjgI/DA43a-FU6NQP0oPAxi5A1po9PSWQxbDegCLcBGAs/s320/fullsizeoutput_561d.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Chamonix, France (3 days)</span><br />
<br />
Chamonix is only about an hour's drive from Annecy but it has a totally different, equally delicious feel. Being tucked up in the Alps gives this charming little town some outrageously gorgeous, fake-looking backdrops and with Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps, literally right there it was destined to become the birthplace of extreme Alpine sports. The town is small and entirely walkable; it comprises only about 8 blocks, and perhaps because it attracts so many wealthy skiers we found the restaurant selection to be amazing. If you have time, google "freeriding" and you can read about the fascinating and terrifying "sport" in which crazy people have helicopters drop them on mountain summits and then they ski or snowboard down ungroomed ultra-steep terrain - extremely dangerous, even for seasoned champions, and utterly unimaginable to those of with a fear of heights! You can check out <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rc4abfP8mGw" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>this video on Marco Siffredi</b></span></a>, a freerider from Chamonix itself who ultimately became (at the age of 20 - born when I was) the first person ever to snowboard down Mt. Everest (unfortunately he then went back to try to snowboard down the ultra steep North Face and was never found). His slang and mumbling in the video (in French) is difficult to understand even for me, but it's just a 3 minute clip and the footage is unbelievable. Maybe it's because I have such a pronounced fear of heights (or lack of boundaries?) but I am endlessly fascinated by the thought of doing what these people do. I would literally rather be eaten by a shark than die that way.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_OT0lQZAFn4/W49HihhLufI/AAAAAAAAjR4/45EZzZBZE502L1N-9vDSiaMi8Npag6KpwCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5720.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_OT0lQZAFn4/W49HihhLufI/AAAAAAAAjR4/45EZzZBZE502L1N-9vDSiaMi8Npag6KpwCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_5720.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This backdrop is REAL!!!! And pics never do mountain views justice. You have GOT to click this one to enlarge it!<br />
* You can click ANY of these pics to enlarge, and most are BEST viewed that way!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFADQfe8Mhw/W5Fi-PYDiwI/AAAAAAAAjUk/2eW4587EQ4gKcNFhlCBS8HwjlVodJK5JQCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_563f.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not quite as outrageous on an overcast day, but impressive and beautiful nonetheless. Click to enlarge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFADQfe8Mhw/W5Fi-PYDiwI/AAAAAAAAjUk/2eW4587EQ4gKcNFhlCBS8HwjlVodJK5JQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_563f.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sli8QFoFXF0/W5FjZaEJnLI/AAAAAAAAjUw/Tr2VTH05CyA61skZqEogziORiOIPrgkSQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_570b.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-sli8QFoFXF0/W5FjZaEJnLI/AAAAAAAAjUw/Tr2VTH05CyA61skZqEogziORiOIPrgkSQCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_570b.jpeg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another clear-day town pic! I just cannot make this background up!! Click to enlarge.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RrheVva0DUI/W5FjM62yHgI/AAAAAAAAjUo/xa9dyPlTT5gLne4JcDAyl40KvotZ3D9cgCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5636.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RrheVva0DUI/W5FjM62yHgI/AAAAAAAAjUo/xa9dyPlTT5gLne4JcDAyl40KvotZ3D9cgCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_5636.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I loved pondering the people who lived here long ago, and what their lives must have been like.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qK0VMRFwD74/W5FpIG8mkxI/AAAAAAAAjWg/EIVmGdVCfRot7UuQjDvNlVJoWmUvhSDTQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5716.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qK0VMRFwD74/W5FpIG8mkxI/AAAAAAAAjWg/EIVmGdVCfRot7UuQjDvNlVJoWmUvhSDTQCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_5716.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So glad we did this trip. It was SO much work both to plan and to execute, and it was definitely a financial sacrifice (we still rent and we don't do private school, so I have some excuses!!) but absolutely worth it for the memories made.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
On the overcast day, we drove up a mountain (terrifying for me, I was shaking!) and did the Merlet Animal Park - a suggestion by our hotel's concierge, and another example of how it does really pay off to prioritize nice hotels if you're traveling (better than paying a travel agent, IMO). Here you can see mountain animals essentially roaming free. This is where I first discovered that I've developed a major fear of heights - it's fine if I'm enclosed in something, like a plane or a gondola, but if not, even if there's a fence, it's torturous.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TniUTO199NE/W5FkcFPQ-aI/AAAAAAAAjVA/bRWoFJfPV6sNavL5RUyQSzvM7eMhoIU3ACLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_56cf.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TniUTO199NE/W5FkcFPQ-aI/AAAAAAAAjVA/bRWoFJfPV6sNavL5RUyQSzvM7eMhoIU3ACLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_56cf.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The park really is on the SIDE of a mountain. Everything about it is steep, and I was nervous just walking around on most of the walking paths. It felt (to me) like I could fall over and never stop falling.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h1MSJIm_0i0/W5FkwN3oyfI/AAAAAAAAjVI/OfNMyK_pfJMwsduhob6zpCtBUyff3VRrgCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_56ca.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h1MSJIm_0i0/W5FkwN3oyfI/AAAAAAAAjVI/OfNMyK_pfJMwsduhob6zpCtBUyff3VRrgCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_56ca.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the path with reindeer!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DoG2gIQ5iPw/W5FlPCayD_I/AAAAAAAAjVQ/OLTnmUC_eYU1bgmJisVQQuE_wM0fvuACgCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5649.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DoG2gIQ5iPw/W5FlPCayD_I/AAAAAAAAjVQ/OLTnmUC_eYU1bgmJisVQQuE_wM0fvuACgCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_5649.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little man in his yellow raincoat.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i51VCtQwsfY/W5FleYdNrJI/AAAAAAAAjVU/dm-ittZNiB4kQUlsCbWUDdVI2d4J2JWPQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_56c5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i51VCtQwsfY/W5FleYdNrJI/AAAAAAAAjVU/dm-ittZNiB4kQUlsCbWUDdVI2d4J2JWPQCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_56c5.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So hard to capture on film but the views really were dizzying. Again, I felt like I could fall off and just keep falling.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PkzpLo1iplg/W5FnpUXXxhI/AAAAAAAAjWM/5fjHcGL_7Lk9xWiT008N-4bbKsLStJrVACLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_56bc.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PkzpLo1iplg/W5FnpUXXxhI/AAAAAAAAjWM/5fjHcGL_7Lk9xWiT008N-4bbKsLStJrVACLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_56bc.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this shot.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wIY7nz6dasg/W5FoRq9vYGI/AAAAAAAAjWY/johOt8m_DyQOn-pe8NNMDGAvtPSF68txgCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_58d5.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1047" data-original-width="1600" height="418" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wIY7nz6dasg/W5FoRq9vYGI/AAAAAAAAjWY/johOt8m_DyQOn-pe8NNMDGAvtPSF68txgCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_58d5.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Claire snapped a bunch of pics of me when I waited with her for my dad to come back down the mountain road with our rental car - he'd had to drop my mom off at the top/entrance because of her knees but I was <i>terrified</i> to go any higher up in a car. Claire and I were just killing time but now I'm really glad she took these. This trip was about family and exploration but it was also about coming back to a country I'd lived in for a year, and devoted an entire college major to learning about. It's crazy to think about how much in my life has changed since 2000-2001 when I was here at age 20. I'm now 38 years old, married, two kids, a law degree, a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/clairesclosetdeals/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>successful social media business</b></span></a>, I live in Boston - permanently (what??), and I'm thankfully still healthy. There was definitely some bittersweetness, thinking about how life passes you by and how short it really all is. I blinked (sort of) and went from young to middle-aged. Who knows when I'll be back here again, but I definitely think this was my last time in France looking and feeling even remotely youthful.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We saved the Midi D'Aguille (taking a cable car to the top of Mont Blanc) for our clear day, but unfortunately when we woke up that morning it was down for maintenance. Another day saved by our hotel concierge - she had figured this out for us, let us know right away, and helped us plan another trip this day to the "Mer de Glace" ("Sea of Ice") - the glacier. Following are some pics from that outing. *Note: There are other day trips you can do from Chamonix if you have more time, including a small culturally Swiss village way up in the Alps, and I believe you can even do a day trip to northern Italy.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oUeZlWYPRW8/W5Ki9_CGsLI/AAAAAAAAjgY/Vjm8If0jcDIpy2Z4JTdMW5_7Xb_mv-rYgCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5738.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oUeZlWYPRW8/W5Ki9_CGsLI/AAAAAAAAjgY/Vjm8If0jcDIpy2Z4JTdMW5_7Xb_mv-rYgCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_5738.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cogwheel mountain train we took from the center of town up the mountain.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vZWUkr4nyJM/W5FmVizxUHI/AAAAAAAAjVk/Itow8JPe9-04jxQMFVfnPhnMJbEHUvTQQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_573c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vZWUkr4nyJM/W5FmVizxUHI/AAAAAAAAjVk/Itow8JPe9-04jxQMFVfnPhnMJbEHUvTQQCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_573c.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Terrifying views from the train, and utterly unnecessary warning sticker.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xhCxtnbWRHk/W5FmhW2CFCI/AAAAAAAAjVo/7gm4aHXhIBYjDjeQgJucnWafUfhEyzRYwCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5749.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xhCxtnbWRHk/W5FmhW2CFCI/AAAAAAAAjVo/7gm4aHXhIBYjDjeQgJucnWafUfhEyzRYwCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_5749.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Impossible to capture on film but I tried (click to enlarge). A person would be an invisible spec in this picture.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7kUI8eKeYYc/W5FmrW2vKDI/AAAAAAAAjVw/HdZrs5yDJXwEvFP49qGtNHZlQw9V6MIhACLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_574b.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7kUI8eKeYYc/W5FmrW2vKDI/AAAAAAAAjVw/HdZrs5yDJXwEvFP49qGtNHZlQw9V6MIhACLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_574b.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More glacier pics.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d55Cca-iToo/W5FncM5tm0I/AAAAAAAAjWI/0BLBSV3H1wcQ14AEfMELHzpk9f5WztpOgCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_58cf.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d55Cca-iToo/W5FncM5tm0I/AAAAAAAAjWI/0BLBSV3H1wcQ14AEfMELHzpk9f5WztpOgCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_58cf.jpeg" width="382" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I couldn't go near the fences myself, but I snapped some pics of those who could!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
I would be remiss if I didn't specifically give a shoutout to the hotel we stayed in, which was <a href="https://www.hotelmontblancchamonix.com/en/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Hotel Mont Blanc</b></span></a>. This one was also a splurge for us, but not only did the concierge greatly enhance our daytrip planning as described above, but again if you're traveling with young people and old people (and if you can work remotely while your kids swim) it makes a big difference to have a pool, and the breakfast experiences when you travel are a huge part of it, especially if you're a foodie. I reviewed this hotel <a href="https://fave.co/2MWsHz9" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>here</b></span></a> for those of you actually interested in potentially traveling to Chamonix, and here are some hotel pics.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IXN5LmW2yDg/W5HXBZE5w_I/AAAAAAAAjWs/no3eMFVtS6wg0B3N7eIA-j7yGbBZTNjmgCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5759.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IXN5LmW2yDg/W5HXBZE5w_I/AAAAAAAAjWs/no3eMFVtS6wg0B3N7eIA-j7yGbBZTNjmgCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_5759.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adorable<a href="https://www.hotelmontblancchamonix.com/en/" target="_blank"> <b><span style="color: #a64d79;">Hotel Mont Blanc</span></b></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qobyw1U3Nt4/W5HXBvoRW2I/AAAAAAAAjWw/BOhRGhrHXZkiQdSfe0YhnaIrjxB1Y5UygCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_575c.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="426" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pool and hot tub with mountain backdrop.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Fsnsbve2a0/W5HXDgnJ9tI/AAAAAAAAjW4/62kFuqs3AOgEaE5dup6zhAIL3vjrjYjPQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_575e.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Fsnsbve2a0/W5HXDgnJ9tI/AAAAAAAAjW4/62kFuqs3AOgEaE5dup6zhAIL3vjrjYjPQCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_575e.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nziw8yhZ7ts/W5HXjoCkvWI/AAAAAAAAjXI/MuM66WEGzck_yZBDprETiUSCt6XtzKJpQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_58dd.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nziw8yhZ7ts/W5HXjoCkvWI/AAAAAAAAjXI/MuM66WEGzck_yZBDprETiUSCt6XtzKJpQCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_58dd.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cold and cloudy day was no problem in the hot tub!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qobyw1U3Nt4/W5HXBvoRW2I/AAAAAAAAjWw/BOhRGhrHXZkiQdSfe0YhnaIrjxB1Y5UygCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_575c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<br />
... a note on the food in Chamonix. First off, even just the raspberries I bought from the grocery store were OUT of this WORLD. I have never, EVER seen raspberries like these in the U.S. and they tasted AMAZING - different and better than any I've ever had before (and yes, I've picked and even grown my own berries in the U.S.).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GaDMQuMjgl0/W5HX_B2kmbI/AAAAAAAAjXQ/1942QcOkCfE0Kb3FKfdtSdk6vRte8WjmQCLcBGAs/s1600/x2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GaDMQuMjgl0/W5HX_B2kmbI/AAAAAAAAjXQ/1942QcOkCfE0Kb3FKfdtSdk6vRte8WjmQCLcBGAs/s640/x2.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the actual color, unenhanced.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Second off, if you go to Chamonix do not miss <a href="https://fave.co/2Q9meil" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Aux Petits Gourmands</b></span></a> - an incredible chocolate shop and pastry cafe in the center of town. The chocolates I purchased here were better than any I found elsewhere on the trip, including Switzerland. And the ice cream treats we had were utterly divine. I also read some really good reviews of breakfast here so if you didn't splurge on a hotel that included breakfast, this would be a great stop.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r60S5_SMNW8/W5HYd5wDP4I/AAAAAAAAjXY/_y22m-w8yPke7-Zud2crfTF3hRZTo_tRACLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_58e1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r60S5_SMNW8/W5HYd5wDP4I/AAAAAAAAjXY/_y22m-w8yPke7-Zud2crfTF3hRZTo_tRACLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_58e1.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Store front window says it all.<br />
* You can click ANY pics in this post to enlarge them!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aIfjIDNsRkk/W5HaWzsQKhI/AAAAAAAAjYA/CRbzAiT6znY31E_gstcqlAZT1Qh7oEjkwCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_58e2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aIfjIDNsRkk/W5HaWzsQKhI/AAAAAAAAjYA/CRbzAiT6znY31E_gstcqlAZT1Qh7oEjkwCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_58e2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate counter - best chocolates of our trip.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And our ice cream...<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b9or3qaNsD0/W5HYr_nkfEI/AAAAAAAAjXg/WYrBUZnFkB8tRx8qgIYEKCRHSDfBW986ACLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5753.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b9or3qaNsD0/W5HYr_nkfEI/AAAAAAAAjXg/WYrBUZnFkB8tRx8qgIYEKCRHSDfBW986ACLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_5753.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Clockwise from Left (lol!): Mixed berry sundaes, Strawberry/Raspberry sundae, incredible sundae (details below), Claire, banana split.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Fy1-vvmKeo/W5HYsTx7gWI/AAAAAAAAjXk/iXBzzFaCWBMt-ZVwzKq-UOdv7jTthc0zQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5755.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9Fy1-vvmKeo/W5HYsTx7gWI/AAAAAAAAjXk/iXBzzFaCWBMt-ZVwzKq-UOdv7jTthc0zQCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_5755.jpeg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mine had vanilla ice cream, lots of meringue (love!), nuts, and whipped cream.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iehkXlNr23s/W5HYtTh5IJI/AAAAAAAAjXs/13biTFNxo6g97maA_sGabuSG-7kA5neYgCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5756.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-iehkXlNr23s/W5HYtTh5IJI/AAAAAAAAjXs/13biTFNxo6g97maA_sGabuSG-7kA5neYgCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_5756.jpeg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Claire's strawberry/raspberry sundae was also amazing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w3r1-zhie3U/W5HYsd96EzI/AAAAAAAAjXo/SOlbxUuEm_EkhjjBQkxXQE5Pb05O53dQwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-w3r1-zhie3U/W5HYsd96EzI/AAAAAAAAjXo/SOlbxUuEm_EkhjjBQkxXQE5Pb05O53dQwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2229.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What, you think it's too much to get hot chocolate AND ice cream?? Somehow I didn't gain any weight on this trip BUT I did lose muscle so I'm sure I gained fat. I'm now back at the gym, hoping to get my muscle back without gaining. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Last, if you don't have an extra day to do a day trip from Chamonix to northern Italy (or even if you do), do not miss the<b><span style="color: #a64d79;"> <a href="https://fave.co/2MSRPHh" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Pizzeria Des Moulins</span></a></span></b>. Some of the absolute best pasta and salads we have ever had, and we're told it's pretty authentically northern Italian.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Grindelwald, Switzerland (3 Days)</span><br />
<br />
Here it comes - the ultimate (allegedly) for scenery! Yes, if you want utterly mind-boggling "Sound of Music" views and breathtaking hikes and train rides, the Grindelwald/Interlaken area of Switzerland is the place for you. It's in the German region so the food (and obviously language) were very different from the rest of our trip. The big issue with visiting this area is it's outrageously expensive **but** you really need at least one sunny day to see its full beauty. We only planned two days here and we lucked out that 1.5 of them were sunny. As for this francophile, I'm very glad to have seen it once but my heart remains in France for any future trips we're lucky enough to take.<br />
<br />
To get here, we drove an hour from Chamonix back to the Geneva airport and ditched the rental car. Then we hopped on the trains and it took 3-4 hours total to get from Geneva to the town we stayed in, Grindelwald. Grindelwald is near Interlaken but it's a smaller town and a little closer to a lot of the hiking and other sites up in the mountains. I'm not sure we'd do that again - the views were incredible even just from the town but it was really, really small town and not much to explore right outside of our hotel.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gd8rRnkegQQ/W5HezP4QveI/AAAAAAAAjYM/LOLdCLzB8okCkGoz3ADf75zRUhsCzlSdwCEwYBhgL/s1600/10000000_942249915968202_5753780789025096401_n.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="362" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gd8rRnkegQQ/W5HezP4QveI/AAAAAAAAjYM/LOLdCLzB8okCkGoz3ADf75zRUhsCzlSdwCEwYBhgL/s640/10000000_942249915968202_5753780789025096401_n.mp4" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views of Grindelwald area from train.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uZRyY-k-YOE/W5HfW3LAFvI/AAAAAAAAjYY/LDSsyBc6GgAFGDY-VSxgQk6hSPytplrbwCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5765.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uZRyY-k-YOE/W5HfW3LAFvI/AAAAAAAAjYY/LDSsyBc6GgAFGDY-VSxgQk6hSPytplrbwCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_5765.jpeg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In case the above video fails, classic shot of Grindelwald.<br />
* You can click ANY pics in this entry and enlarge them!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VSjSPdaAJYA/W5LcCwXGR2I/AAAAAAAAjhk/z4sslHos5fUMZqobRcdbgv6wIO-WesbiwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2330.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VSjSPdaAJYA/W5LcCwXGR2I/AAAAAAAAjhk/z4sslHos5fUMZqobRcdbgv6wIO-WesbiwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2330.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">We did wonder if all of this was zoning or cultural homogeneity. It did kind of make you think about German culture and WWII. Also our stopover in Germany made me think of how strange it is that my very own grandfather was in a war against the Germans. Fast-forward several decades and there I was, casually stopping in a German airport and buying chocolate. Alexa said it's still a little strange for some French people too - visiting a country that literally took theirs over. And I have no way of knowing how it feels if you're Jewish and you visit, but I'd imagine it's a whole other level of ... something.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Moving on, our first full day was CLEAR!!! We took advantage and did the train ride up to Jungfraujoch, or the "Top of Europe." This is considered an incredible, once-in-a-lifetime experience and the price reflects that. It's something outrageous like $200/person just to take the trains and explore the building up top (P.S., no idea how they EVER built that thing but being involved in that would be my WORST nightmare!!). You get a significant discount if you purchase a Swiss Travel Pass, which we did (it's worth it if you're going to travel a lot by train) and thankfully Claire (5) was free and Matthew (7) was only 25 CHF (about $26). I found it easiest to purchase the travel pass at the Geneva airport (counter closes at 4pm) right before we hopped on our first train.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GEd4ZnLALIk/W5Hf8_TBNtI/AAAAAAAAjYk/pyDIcqi4Yy8o3uJZmsRBVLxrRemnvYGcQCEwYBhgL/s1600/10000000_313214109442846_7518907441423878381_n.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="362" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GEd4ZnLALIk/W5Hf8_TBNtI/AAAAAAAAjYk/pyDIcqi4Yy8o3uJZmsRBVLxrRemnvYGcQCEwYBhgL/s640/10000000_313214109442846_7518907441423878381_n.mp4" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Views from the train ride up to Jungfraujoch.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I1khmoppSuw/W5HhADsjszI/AAAAAAAAjYw/QMTVBJmhgwEXoB1oWS2i6i9q3qIFqy28QCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5783.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-I1khmoppSuw/W5HhADsjszI/AAAAAAAAjYw/QMTVBJmhgwEXoB1oWS2i6i9q3qIFqy28QCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_5783.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view at the top was hard to capture on film, but it was basically like being in an open airplane (click to enlarge).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TkG1Erx9PCM/W5HhIrUrxcI/AAAAAAAAjY4/J1qpv9fTpcAuG8650r2PBKW94JZ3jJwiwCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_578c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TkG1Erx9PCM/W5HhIrUrxcI/AAAAAAAAjY4/J1qpv9fTpcAuG8650r2PBKW94JZ3jJwiwCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_578c.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These horrific stairs were the limit for me with my fear of heights. No. WAY. (click to enlarge).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sAmhsBs-tjs/W5HhIvg0_EI/AAAAAAAAjY8/bFqG9vc6Xyo3yMGeeyJVx0XEsDOSB3jIQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_578d.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sAmhsBs-tjs/W5HhIvg0_EI/AAAAAAAAjY8/bFqG9vc6Xyo3yMGeeyJVx0XEsDOSB3jIQCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_578d.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I still got some great pics from behind a window.<br />
Can you spot the tiny people? (click to enlarge).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HPiFCHbDp4M/W5HiN9PwRjI/AAAAAAAAjZQ/lBnBBwGYbNkdsnjHnQ6RRE3b8XVAO7QmgCEwYBhgL/s1600/40625184_264003210888159_3132444364481728144_n.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HPiFCHbDp4M/W5HiN9PwRjI/AAAAAAAAjZQ/lBnBBwGYbNkdsnjHnQ6RRE3b8XVAO7QmgCEwYBhgL/s640/40625184_264003210888159_3132444364481728144_n.mp4" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots to do at the top, including an ice cave inside the glacier. <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Claire had no long pants because we lost an entire suitcase - left it on a train and eventually got it back 3 days later. </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Travel is definitely not the same thing as "vacationing" - it's never without troubles and the anxiety doesn't end until you're back at home!!</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rVHEjPh_hmY/W5Knyhs-pzI/AAAAAAAAjgk/fSrPhXhYPX04fXrgCnPzmmE5otMPz6xsACLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5781.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rVHEjPh_hmY/W5Knyhs-pzI/AAAAAAAAjgk/fSrPhXhYPX04fXrgCnPzmmE5otMPz6xsACLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_5781.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In case the video fails, a few pics of the ice cave inside the glacier.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dsYQ53bW5i4/W5Kn1Tg73wI/AAAAAAAAjgo/7lwAoRzsq1AoJyJTGbnwHhVJTs1uKhyywCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2297.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dsYQ53bW5i4/W5Kn1Tg73wI/AAAAAAAAjgo/7lwAoRzsq1AoJyJTGbnwHhVJTs1uKhyywCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2297.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ice cave or no, you'll want coats (winter coats really) for any high altitude excursions - brrrr.<br />
Also on the altitude, the itinerary I planned turned out to be really great because Annecy --> Chamonix --> Grindelwald was a very gradual altitude increase. I was worried about it because I had altitude sickness the only other time I've ever been to Switzerland (part of a school tour I did at the end of high school). If you do experience altitude sickness, try to get down to a lower altitude area for half a day and then go back up. It helped me a lot way back when.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MWxMttan8Io/W5LMi9jkh2I/AAAAAAAAjhQ/5JpPl59tAI4dkupJFz6A9vZdloTeEXMjwCLcBGAs/s1600/d1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MWxMttan8Io/W5LMi9jkh2I/AAAAAAAAjhQ/5JpPl59tAI4dkupJFz6A9vZdloTeEXMjwCLcBGAs/s640/d1.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One last pic at the top!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;">On the second Grindelwald/Switzerland day, we took the trains from Grindelwald to Wengen and from Wengen we took a cable car (used for skiers in the winter) up the mountain to Mannlichen and then we hiked from Mannlichen down to Kleine Scheidigg (a train stop). This hike is famous for its scenery. Unfortunately the clouds rolled in when we were about halfway down, but we can't complain - the pouring rain hit within minutes of making it back to Kleine Schidigg!!!</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qa0x2P1STws/W5HjYJc9IyI/AAAAAAAAjZk/Lm2SDbGv19cTsRGJyBrumpaqe73atcqcgCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_57ad.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qa0x2P1STws/W5HjYJc9IyI/AAAAAAAAjZk/Lm2SDbGv19cTsRGJyBrumpaqe73atcqcgCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_57ad.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At Wengen, about to get on the cable car.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ocO6ivZxV1s/W5Hjd29zSBI/AAAAAAAAjZs/aHwIMt6Lmg0wefVYGw58jGsnIPvX7TXkACLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_57b7.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ocO6ivZxV1s/W5Hjd29zSBI/AAAAAAAAjZs/aHwIMt6Lmg0wefVYGw58jGsnIPvX7TXkACLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_57b7.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cable car view - looking down from near the top - yikes! (click to enlarge)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2kETGeFCyk4/W5HjlaDBFSI/AAAAAAAAjZw/G9MMhRXwT4EbzlQrvtwC6hjQtdJ8O366gCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_57b9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2kETGeFCyk4/W5HjlaDBFSI/AAAAAAAAjZw/G9MMhRXwT4EbzlQrvtwC6hjQtdJ8O366gCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_57b9.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More cable car views.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hc0iHYjDfWA/W5Hjl3UjOMI/AAAAAAAAjZ0/WDa_pjmU474EdctfOfPVPSOA-OuP2OOVACLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_57ba.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hc0iHYjDfWA/W5Hjl3UjOMI/AAAAAAAAjZ0/WDa_pjmU474EdctfOfPVPSOA-OuP2OOVACLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_57ba.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the top - this was the closest I ever got to a high altitude fence.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Os1Zp2vJ5FY/W5HjswpAbYI/AAAAAAAAjZ8/bFGW2atLu3kLdUrJBjDm8vOq4heGmWbEQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_57c0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Os1Zp2vJ5FY/W5HjswpAbYI/AAAAAAAAjZ8/bFGW2atLu3kLdUrJBjDm8vOq4heGmWbEQCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_57c0.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Breathtaking scenery. (click any pic to enlarge)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iSj5v6dtGsM/W5Hjtk_KL7I/AAAAAAAAjaA/ivYS-u2Qmb8lQd7cyM2s9LDXJsFxo7ttACLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_58a2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iSj5v6dtGsM/W5Hjtk_KL7I/AAAAAAAAjaA/ivYS-u2Qmb8lQd7cyM2s9LDXJsFxo7ttACLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_58a2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite shot of the trip - snapped this with my phone! Mannlichen has an adorable park for kids, it's right at the top of the cable car so you can't miss it. Great restaurant too!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JVYbGVaGzqc/W5Hj15eun0I/AAAAAAAAjaM/5udp1lGGvoUykJTaBQpVQUV8wlighHqrgCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_57c3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JVYbGVaGzqc/W5Hj15eun0I/AAAAAAAAjaM/5udp1lGGvoUykJTaBQpVQUV8wlighHqrgCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_57c3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We just loved the beautiful cows. They seriously just look like their milk would make better dairy products. <br />
Or caramel flavored ones. Or something.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And the hike itself!!! Some pics I snapped on our way down... click on any to enlarge.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ySBbt6Qva4I/W5HkPpGuuTI/AAAAAAAAjak/nE23uugT_CIFnrSDBFWB-eNE4D_rUnNHQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_57c8.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ySBbt6Qva4I/W5HkPpGuuTI/AAAAAAAAjak/nE23uugT_CIFnrSDBFWB-eNE4D_rUnNHQCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_57c8.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GCw6f7h4zDE/W5HkTy1ZjbI/AAAAAAAAjao/rKH0luXQwcEnW1XklCzrvBtezQh-0fQ4wCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_57d0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GCw6f7h4zDE/W5HkTy1ZjbI/AAAAAAAAjao/rKH0luXQwcEnW1XklCzrvBtezQh-0fQ4wCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_57d0.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NGQ5sQ5GPUg/W5HkUJ-gFdI/AAAAAAAAjas/MIDq69M9Sk8E2LJAvOkbIHy6SFQmSm0yACLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_57d2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NGQ5sQ5GPUg/W5HkUJ-gFdI/AAAAAAAAjas/MIDq69M9Sk8E2LJAvOkbIHy6SFQmSm0yACLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_57d2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kvTdwNa7Et8/W5HkoZ4JrCI/AAAAAAAAja4/n7oPMf8at2wgVwct0QZovkcJ-aWBJlUFgCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_57d9.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kvTdwNa7Et8/W5HkoZ4JrCI/AAAAAAAAja4/n7oPMf8at2wgVwct0QZovkcJ-aWBJlUFgCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_57d9.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-poiUV5aNnR8/W5HktsKJ6WI/AAAAAAAAja8/8YCAbbSS-iAdHzVR6lT_bH3_VzbG52CHACLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_57db.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-poiUV5aNnR8/W5HktsKJ6WI/AAAAAAAAja8/8YCAbbSS-iAdHzVR6lT_bH3_VzbG52CHACLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_57db.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qf-KVMUsctQ/W5HkxpXbrhI/AAAAAAAAjbA/ziXvnZEA8awoaUkHxzrtxuF-RuMXuLaIwCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_57e2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qf-KVMUsctQ/W5HkxpXbrhI/AAAAAAAAjbA/ziXvnZEA8awoaUkHxzrtxuF-RuMXuLaIwCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_57e2.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love this pic!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2jbT-YL6sxU/W5LbTB7gC-I/AAAAAAAAjhc/3Ptv-b2Peb0Y2lygk2mB1qnNCenYwCvzACLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_57ea.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2jbT-YL6sxU/W5LbTB7gC-I/AAAAAAAAjhc/3Ptv-b2Peb0Y2lygk2mB1qnNCenYwCvzACLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_57ea.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... and this one, with my Dear Old Dad.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
But rut-roh, the clouds rolled in...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1k9wyqIssTQ/W5HlprDJ3PI/AAAAAAAAjbc/MEJB4nOqOc0QsJc7o17SGzfKKvkXMbkdQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_580a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1k9wyqIssTQ/W5HlprDJ3PI/AAAAAAAAjbc/MEJB4nOqOc0QsJc7o17SGzfKKvkXMbkdQCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_580a.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--4cjSmMESAw/W5HmeeqG7iI/AAAAAAAAjbo/2bLRqmkH_0UlWpgT1smGtRv3HPJAC8umACLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_580e.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--4cjSmMESAw/W5HmeeqG7iI/AAAAAAAAjbo/2bLRqmkH_0UlWpgT1smGtRv3HPJAC8umACLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_580e.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I cannot exaggerate how hard it is to capture this awe-inspiring scenery on film, but check out what looks like a miniature playhouse next to Matthew - that's a pretty massive trainstop area actually, it's just SUPER far away! <br />
* Click to enlarge if you wish!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N2zYVoXhyaI/W5Hmzy_7wLI/AAAAAAAAjbw/C3XHxO4B7FAFnRxRT0kPkbISGC4QymtGwCEwYBhgL/s1600/10000000_449302775562534_5328402316510887936_n.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N2zYVoXhyaI/W5Hmzy_7wLI/AAAAAAAAjbw/C3XHxO4B7FAFnRxRT0kPkbISGC4QymtGwCEwYBhgL/s640/10000000_449302775562534_5328402316510887936_n.mp4" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Video taken while walking down. Wish I'd done one before the clouds hit!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The walk/hike from Mannlichen was gorgeous and an experience we'll never forget. A little scary if you have a fear of heights. I felt bad for my mom - her knees wouldn't allow her to do this, so she took a cable car back down instead.<br />
<br />
Trying to wrap up this post! A note on the food in the Interlaken/Jungfrau/Grindelwald area of Switzerland - I personally LOVED it. Not as much as I love French food and, dare I say, the pastries we had here were pretty terrible, BUT I've always been a big fan of all those cold salad potluck style dishes. I had no idea they were German! Plus... sausages and schnitzel! Yum!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HR71SLzVYqs/W5Hn8yipZFI/AAAAAAAAjcE/i8HzOfWKbcktLyLAD5Uz9eFASIlPzatcgCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5799.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HR71SLzVYqs/W5Hn8yipZFI/AAAAAAAAjcE/i8HzOfWKbcktLyLAD5Uz9eFASIlPzatcgCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_5799.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salad bar creation from our hotel's restaurant.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tM5K0618FX4/W5HoAsvlCdI/AAAAAAAAjcM/Cozk5eP08EYFURtHCaPZeaaHc8PYqix-QCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_57ce.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tM5K0618FX4/W5HoAsvlCdI/AAAAAAAAjcM/Cozk5eP08EYFURtHCaPZeaaHc8PYqix-QCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_57ce.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Salad bar creation from the lunch spot in Mannlichen.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Luzern, Switzerland (1 day)</span><br />
<br />
Before I get into Luzern, I wanted to note that we saw some incredible views of Switzerland from the train on our way there from Grindelwald.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KbUU7FP-lIU/W5Hozc0LFNI/AAAAAAAAjc4/jdGC61If2YweB9-qdWrH9DSxOujX4NpmACLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_581c.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KbUU7FP-lIU/W5Hozc0LFNI/AAAAAAAAjc4/jdGC61If2YweB9-qdWrH9DSxOujX4NpmACLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_581c.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't get over the color and crystal clarity of all these lakes. (Click to enlarge)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aLzN6xF6gKI/W5HozZswoRI/AAAAAAAAjc0/4-TTGtCTn5IDsydXobsKRIoaa6jUXaUjACLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_581d.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aLzN6xF6gKI/W5HozZswoRI/AAAAAAAAjc0/4-TTGtCTn5IDsydXobsKRIoaa6jUXaUjACLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_581d.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was also fascinated by all these little cottages dotting the mountaisides. <br />
Most of them had no driveways or roads leading up to them.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Veor5sMUct8/W5HorvF4QkI/AAAAAAAAjcc/GoHDuduEzHckgkv0yi287sB2Xs-eGb9vgCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5816.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Veor5sMUct8/W5HorvF4QkI/AAAAAAAAjcc/GoHDuduEzHckgkv0yi287sB2Xs-eGb9vgCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_5816.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small lake town (click to enlarge)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QAuuEpaaz0M/W5HouDIb9tI/AAAAAAAAjck/8kH9T93a8W4S-mNpTmRqGqOowvPkw6kSQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5817.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-QAuuEpaaz0M/W5HouDIb9tI/AAAAAAAAjck/8kH9T93a8W4S-mNpTmRqGqOowvPkw6kSQCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_5817.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such a cool little town, imagine living under these massive mountains!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gnh5GfjCUEA/W5Hou8tNmPI/AAAAAAAAjco/QLnXK9B_P3kkm5MuGq-T86vLXDm77aPgACLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5818.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gnh5GfjCUEA/W5Hou8tNmPI/AAAAAAAAjco/QLnXK9B_P3kkm5MuGq-T86vLXDm77aPgACLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_5818.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closer up - and again, with the color of these lakes!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Arrival!!! We did Luzern partially because we wanted to see Mt. Pilatus, and partially because it just seemed more logical to fly back home out of Zurich, rather than backtracking to Geneva. Unfortunately our only day here was rainy (and you don't go up in mountains in the rain because you won't be able to see anything). Thankfully we snapped a few pics of Luzern on our first evening, because by the following day it was too rainy to even try.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z5Vwpj1QrdY/W5HpjWIM1NI/AAAAAAAAjdo/Sa-GBmLkNRkkRvdYCgi7hvDmNRW4IdMOQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5822.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z5Vwpj1QrdY/W5HpjWIM1NI/AAAAAAAAjdo/Sa-GBmLkNRkkRvdYCgi7hvDmNRW4IdMOQCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_5822.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luzern.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYNH42mybIk/W5Hp6D7hZkI/AAAAAAAAjdw/S3mHvMyd3Sw-Wir3m9PXhnWEWNhiQ7qeACLcBGAs/s1600/z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bYNH42mybIk/W5Hp6D7hZkI/AAAAAAAAjdw/S3mHvMyd3Sw-Wir3m9PXhnWEWNhiQ7qeACLcBGAs/s640/z.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We noted that even the simplest pasta dish at a tourist trap is just SO GOOD in Europe!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RofkAu16z30/W5Hqm-6QT5I/AAAAAAAAjd8/uSNnqxSav2oSBePv-wknGiao4aWuu0wOwCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_582b.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RofkAu16z30/W5Hqm-6QT5I/AAAAAAAAjd8/uSNnqxSav2oSBePv-wknGiao4aWuu0wOwCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_582b.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Almost done now! One day of touring and one big day of travel home to go!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It turned out that the rain really wasn't a big deal because by this time in the trip we were all truly exhausted. Even with great kids (and great adults), the constant logistical issues of traveling and touring will eventually wear down even the most functional group of 5+ travelers. Instead of anything ambitious, we spent our last day doing a low-key, half-day trip by taking a train to<b> <a href="https://aeschbach-chocolatier.ch/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">a chocolate factory</span></a></b>. It turned out to be pretty much the perfect thing (and one of the top highlights of the entire trip for the kids, who got to make their own bars!!).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MWI9rJoqC1Q/W5HuWUgBxaI/AAAAAAAAjfg/uFxOzoeVD0Y88BNrF86QmLZMm9tmyy4ywCEwYBhgL/s1600/10000000_2598632977064979_7465969288751349760_n.mp4" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MWI9rJoqC1Q/W5HuWUgBxaI/AAAAAAAAjfg/uFxOzoeVD0Y88BNrF86QmLZMm9tmyy4ywCEwYBhgL/s640/10000000_2598632977064979_7465969288751349760_n.mp4" width="358" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Video from making our own chocolate bars.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9oVfD78H5Q4/W5Hq-A-RqJI/AAAAAAAAjeI/eVYVH6TDGqw4BV09iF6uXivGN_IRG7DYwCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5841.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9oVfD78H5Q4/W5Hq-A-RqJI/AAAAAAAAjeI/eVYVH6TDGqw4BV09iF6uXivGN_IRG7DYwCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_5841.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocolate fountain tasting area.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QBk3IfbcjyM/W5HrHEhZUHI/AAAAAAAAjeM/lSCDc2xnn4wnXMNCqumtQA6p9eLU5G_9wCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5854.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QBk3IfbcjyM/W5HrHEhZUHI/AAAAAAAAjeM/lSCDc2xnn4wnXMNCqumtQA6p9eLU5G_9wCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_5854.jpeg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pic of making our own bars, in case video fails.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LoOfS3-I720/W5HrXoy4K3I/AAAAAAAAjec/rBw2SiU7h-8dx56NtUD4eDhAWQGUTjGPQCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_585a.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LoOfS3-I720/W5HrXoy4K3I/AAAAAAAAjec/rBw2SiU7h-8dx56NtUD4eDhAWQGUTjGPQCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_585a.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready and on its way. Dark chocolate for me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q31GUhAe9DY/W5Hre8QypiI/AAAAAAAAjeg/yHL9bMxpf-UPmRENyvqk-B-j3uaM1TOhgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_2531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q31GUhAe9DY/W5Hre8QypiI/AAAAAAAAjeg/yHL9bMxpf-UPmRENyvqk-B-j3uaM1TOhgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_2531.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Victory!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Retrospectively, rain was really appropriate for the last day of our trip and not just because we were tired and it scored us the chocolate factory. By this time, a bittersweet feeling had begun to sink in. We were all traveled out and very ready to get home, but we also all knew that this had been the trip of a lifetime for us. Even if we ever do make it back to Europe with my parents, we'll never do anything even remotely this ambitious again; my parents were still just young enough, and my kids were just barely old enough, to make this happen. All of the pics and memories from this trip were captured at such a sweet spot for all of us, but especially for me. I know that most of the time I ever spend looking back on this trip will involve a deep longing for a time when my babies were little, safe, and mine, and my parents were alive, healthy, and with me.<br />
<br />
I snapped a few pics in the rain, waiting for the train.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RypRlcjCPgk/W5HsNjiPORI/AAAAAAAAjes/2bp1bsPz0JIaqtIcBpAt7o0s8fjhQ36IwCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_587f.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RypRlcjCPgk/W5HsNjiPORI/AAAAAAAAjes/2bp1bsPz0JIaqtIcBpAt7o0s8fjhQ36IwCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_587f.jpeg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">To quote from The Sound of Music, "Somewhere in my youth or childhood, I must have done something good."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4EbprdQKjwY/W5HsX4wMvgI/AAAAAAAAjew/0PB7mRDF2PQpyr4VkbY_XEaZmFHU7eABwCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5888.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4EbprdQKjwY/W5HsX4wMvgI/AAAAAAAAjew/0PB7mRDF2PQpyr4VkbY_XEaZmFHU7eABwCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_5888.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Their personalities captured.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FMUVtqSgTZk/W5HsyGdCxJI/AAAAAAAAjfE/qG9_Fx65QYEmN0_DHo_RMK2A9zFZNWM7wCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5866.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FMUVtqSgTZk/W5HsyGdCxJI/AAAAAAAAjfE/qG9_Fx65QYEmN0_DHo_RMK2A9zFZNWM7wCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_5866.jpeg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My boy.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRpkT-sndg8/W5HtRIaUe_I/AAAAAAAAjfQ/j8ps7uuEr0ITU2f7gLIMnAFvkTMvKI-ngCLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_58ed.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1240" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRpkT-sndg8/W5HtRIaUe_I/AAAAAAAAjfQ/j8ps7uuEr0ITU2f7gLIMnAFvkTMvKI-ngCLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_58ed.jpeg" width="496" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My girl.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pDLsmjj_lcM/W5HtYTLCH7I/AAAAAAAAjfU/-YwkdxuPVHw_M_MCVPOyEXoD_CUSpDMQACLcBGAs/s1600/fullsizeoutput_5879.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pDLsmjj_lcM/W5HtYTLCH7I/AAAAAAAAjfU/-YwkdxuPVHw_M_MCVPOyEXoD_CUSpDMQACLcBGAs/s640/fullsizeoutput_5879.jpeg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lifetime of love - struggles, yes, but mostly love.<br />
This one really gets me.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: x-large;"><u><b>TRAVEL TIPS</b></u></span><br />
<br />
A few quick travel tips before I go...<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>For **any** travel, but especially with kids, you have GOT to get packing cubes (if you don't already have some)!!! They are a total game-changer! I have one color for me and one for each kid. They keep us organized not just for the actual travel but throughout the stay itself, and keep our stuff less wrinkly. I thought it was a little crazy when I first read all the reviews raving about them but they really are THAT good. Instead of opening your suitcase to those piles folded around shoes and socks it's all nice and neat, as shown. <a href="https://amzn.to/2DlMfsq" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Ebags is the original brand</b></span></a> (click to shop) but the <a href="https://amzn.to/2Dtz09k" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>AmazonBasics (generic) brand</b></span></a> also gets fabulous reviews.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bDZWzllKc8A/W6UGr0aP8OI/AAAAAAAAj6A/A8E5Iuze2tEt7Yq4IhcDa73kZB_kaznYwCLcBGAs/s1600/Packing%2Bcubes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="220" data-original-width="391" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bDZWzllKc8A/W6UGr0aP8OI/AAAAAAAAj6A/A8E5Iuze2tEt7Yq4IhcDa73kZB_kaznYwCLcBGAs/s400/Packing%2Bcubes.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<ul>
<li>Bring multiple <a href="https://amzn.to/2x3w7W0" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>outlet converters</b></span></a> - you'll need more than you think you do. But...</li>
<li>Don't bother bringing a hair dryer or flatiron. European outlets cannot handle U.S. hairdryers or flat irons. Most hotels and AirBNBs will have a hair dryer.</li>
<li>Taking a redeye, or otherwise anticipating a nap on the plane? I read TONS of reviews and concluded that<b><span style="color: #a64d79;"> <a href="https://amzn.to/2x0YHYl" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">these BCOZZYs</span></a></span></b> were the very best product for travel sleep. LOVED mine! If you need two, they're cheaper as a <a href="https://amzn.to/2x305u4" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #a64d79;">2-pack here</span></b></a>. They also make a version just for kids too,<b><span style="color: #a64d79;"> <span style="color: #a64d79;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2x568Oe" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">here</span></a>.</span></span></b></li>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LK8HB1Khe3k/W5aSWl_pA9I/AAAAAAAAjmg/E94WPpvmaHwI5LROprXlyfFzt_oFjCRnACLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-09-10%2Bat%2B11.47.53%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1113" data-original-width="1600" height="222" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LK8HB1Khe3k/W5aSWl_pA9I/AAAAAAAAjmg/E94WPpvmaHwI5LROprXlyfFzt_oFjCRnACLcBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-09-10%2Bat%2B11.47.53%2BAM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<li>If you're trying to not check any bags, you MUST pay close attention to measurements. I found that <a href="https://amzn.to/2wZVzM8" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>this suitcase</b></span></a> worked for all our international flights and it really maximized the space we had. Plus it's an easy all-direction roll - even my kids could handle their own. The measurements look a little dicey for Iceland Air's website but when we got to the airport and put them in the sample size bin, they fit perfectly!</li>
<li>I also highly, highly recommend getting these <a href="https://amzn.to/2CFVKm2" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>TSA-Approved Quart Sized Clear Toiletry Bags</b></span></a> for your "liquids & medications" if you're not checking a bag. You can fit a TON in here, somehow it really seems like a lot more than I can fit in my Ziplock bags - maybe because of the shape.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EWBBR08EGuE/W5ZsyIMAk0I/AAAAAAAAjmU/K6fpBnEbbUgB_vfY7Dcz8HvjmBisJ28qACLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-09-10%2Bat%2B9.07.16%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="972" data-original-width="1546" height="201" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EWBBR08EGuE/W5ZsyIMAk0I/AAAAAAAAjmU/K6fpBnEbbUgB_vfY7Dcz8HvjmBisJ28qACLcBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-09-10%2Bat%2B9.07.16%2BAM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>For your shampoo, moisturizer, etc., I cannot recommend these<b><span style="color: #a64d79;"> <span style="color: #a64d79;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2oWRuVy" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">leakproof silicone travel bottles</span></a> </span></span></b>enough. Best things ever. I'll be using mine from now on domestically even though we usually check a bag. Those tiny little jars at the bottom are also great for bringing your own Aquaphor or other ointments, which count as liquids.</li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fffCmigejPc/W5ZsIi1t5qI/AAAAAAAAjmM/x8ZRJIfDtpQHzivBNTGicG7MI1DciYb4wCLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-09-10%2Bat%2B9.05.14%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1040" data-original-width="1212" height="274" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fffCmigejPc/W5ZsIi1t5qI/AAAAAAAAjmM/x8ZRJIfDtpQHzivBNTGicG7MI1DciYb4wCLcBGAs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-09-10%2Bat%2B9.05.14%2BAM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li>For Iceland and for any high-altitude excursions elsewhere - even in August - you'll want a winter coat.</li>
<li>Every international flight we took worked out totally fine arriving 2 hours in advance of departure at the airport EXCEPT Zurich. If you are flying out of Zurich, give yourself 3 hours, and make sure you get ALL the way to your actual gate before you stop to eat. We waited in two 45-minute lines and the second one was a big surprise.</li>
<li>Something <i>will</i> go wrong (again, we lost an entire suitcase for 3 days, and my daughter threw up in the back of our rental car). But you'll recover! And it'll make a great story.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<br />ElleMurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585481665526225076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762736094770946238.post-24695676001818055892018-01-02T20:52:00.000-08:002018-12-05T06:14:38.966-08:00Cardamom Sweet Rolls with Maple Glaze (+ raspberry variation!)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VDwqAip1tuw/WkxeBGfWHtI/AAAAAAAAfVA/XJJzKzy76aoyvrFUi08EcU9hSfjh8j48QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VDwqAip1tuw/WkxeBGfWHtI/AAAAAAAAfVA/XJJzKzy76aoyvrFUi08EcU9hSfjh8j48QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1331.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh from the oven, ready to be iced! (picture shows a half-batch; you'd normally use a 9x12 pan)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BBnbQKnnSK8/WloyUIkALnI/AAAAAAAAfYg/3dca9samv2I52PRpjdLYWH973fSTuOgwwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BBnbQKnnSK8/WloyUIkALnI/AAAAAAAAfYg/3dca9samv2I52PRpjdLYWH973fSTuOgwwCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1354.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finished product - perfection!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Mmmmmm, cardamom.<br />
<br />
If you're not Swedish yourself, you might not know it by name. Even so though, you'd probably associate the taste with Christmas (or winter) if you had a slice of cardamom bread. It's a spice made from the seed pods of various plants in the ginger family - and it's a big time staple in Scandinavian baking.<br />
<br />
Every Christmas my (Swedish - but like, 3rd generation) MIL bakes what must amount to 20 loaves of cardamom "coffee" bread, and my husband's gigantic family eats it for days on end - sometimes toasted with butter and sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, other times topped with a slice of jarlsburg cheese. If you're up for a major undertaking, I blogged her recipe before <a href="http://bostonwed-murakami.blogspot.com/2014/12/swedish-cardamom-coffee-bread.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>here</b></span></a>. But stay awhile, because these little rolls are much easier to make - and they're soft and moist and gooey. They pack a delicious burst of cardamom and they are simply to die for when you slather them with maple-coffee icing.<br />
<br />
The dough recipe is a real gem; it makes exactly enough for a 9 x 13 pan of about 12 rolls, and it's easy to make and easy to work with. I now use it for our <a href="http://bostonwed-murakami.blogspot.com/2018/01/citrus-sweet-rolls-our-christmas-recipe.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Citrus Sweet Rolls</b></span></a>.... it's SO easy to whip up, I made five different batches of rolls last week so that I could experiment with different fillings and icings. This one and the Citrus Sweet Rolls were the winners, but don't miss the raspberry variation (below) - also SO good.<br />
<br />
<i>For the dough:</i><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">3 cups all-purpose flour</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">1/4 cup sugar</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">2 1/4 tsp instant yeast</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">pinch of salt</span><br />
1 tsp ground cardamom<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">1 stick unsalted butter, melted</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">1/2 cup buttermilk</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">2 large eggs, lightly whisked</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span>
<i>For the filling:</i><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">1 stick butter</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">1/2 cup white sugar</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">1/4 cup brown sugar</span><br />
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13.2px;">Smattering of cinnamon (1/2 - 1 tbsp)</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">3/4 tsp ground cardamom</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span>
<i>For the icing:</i><br />
2 cups confectioners (powdered) sugar<br />
3 tbsp melted butter<br />
Add in drizzles the following to taste, and to desired thickness/consistency<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>cream or milk </li>
<li>maple syrup</li>
<li>coffee</li>
<li>extra cardamom (optional)</li>
</ul>
<br />
Here's a pic of the instant yeast I used. We do NOT have a bread machine.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-url000MomJY/WouznhH_4GI/AAAAAAAAffI/B_-poNcxG8ImrDe8YdK3CFo0rJ7M4hxsACLcBGAs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-02-20%2Bat%2B12.33.56%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="814" data-original-width="780" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-url000MomJY/WouznhH_4GI/AAAAAAAAffI/B_-poNcxG8ImrDe8YdK3CFo0rJ7M4hxsACLcBGAs/s200/Screen%2BShot%2B2018-02-20%2Bat%2B12.33.56%2BAM.png" width="191" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #222222;">Place the flour, sugar, yeast, and salt in a mixing bowl (1tsp cardamom too if you're adding it). Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the buttermilk - this should bring it to a little warmer than room temp (too hot will kill the yeast), swish it around in the pan to mix it, then add it to the bowl of dry ingredients. Lightly whisk the eggs - just use the same pan you used for the butter/milk mixture, and add those too. Mix in mixer a little until it comes together - use a dough hook attachment if you have one - then knead with your hands for about 7 minutes. If you do this on a </span><a href="http://amzn.to/2CXjkWX" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>baking mat</b></span></a><span style="color: #222222;"> you should not need to add ANY extra flour or make ANY mess (see pic below!!). </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Place in a lightly greased or oiled bowl and flip it over so the top of the dough is also greased. Cover (I use a wet dishcloth for moisture, you can also use plastic wrap) and let rise in a warm place (I turn my oven on and off briefly so that the oven is slightly warm) for 2 hrs or until doubled.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dha9VmKvUno/WkxgwJ-i_HI/AAAAAAAAfVs/ntCy7rUAulIFiBsZ88kouxDY5iyY0WuqgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dha9VmKvUno/WkxgwJ-i_HI/AAAAAAAAfVs/ntCy7rUAulIFiBsZ88kouxDY5iyY0WuqgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1292.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1) 1px 1px 5px; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 5px; position: relative; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 10.56px;">I can't say enough about <a href="http://amzn.to/2EuDKrn" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>these baking mats</b></span></a> (and they're cheap too!). It is practically miraculous how the dough does not stick to them at all, even without flouring them. I did a side-by-side comparison of what happened when I kneaded the (very moist) dough on the countertop versus the mat - you can see how it stuck to the countertop but not at all anywhere on the mat. You'd be fine without one, but you'd have to add flour. I don't EVEN need to flour my hands with this recipe(!!!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br />While dough rises, prepare the filling. Simply mix everything together. Then grease or butter a 9 x 12 inch baking pan (just the standard size; in the pics here I split the batch in two, and used two smaller pans).</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Punch dough down, and again turn it out on lightly floured surface or </span><a href="http://amzn.to/2lECjy3" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>baking mat</b></span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">. Roll until it's about 18 inches by 12ish (doesn't have to be perfect). Examine the filling - if it's pretty soft, just spread it evenly all over. You *may* want to stick it in the microwave briefly, just to soften it for spreading, if it's not too soft. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Roll up, starting at one of the longer (18") sides. You can definitely pull and stretch the dough as you go to get more rolls out of it if you want. Once rolled up, slice it into about 12 slices (so, 1.5 inches each to make 18 inches) - doesn't have to be perfect!! By the way, I'm told unwaxed floss is great for the slicing, but I use </span><a href="http://amzn.to/2Cr2Tp0" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>this dough cutter</b></span></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="color: #222222;"> by OXO - it's cheap and it's also really handy for scraping dough off surfaces and into the trash (you won't need it for that though, if you have the </span><a href="http://amzn.to/2CXjkWX" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>baking mats</b></span></a><span style="color: #222222;">!). Place the slices as evenly as you can in the prepared baking dish. </span></span><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">At this point, you can cover and refrigerate overnight if you prefer!</b><br />
<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></b>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MEO4NX3QktE/Wkxfh6dt-nI/AAAAAAAAfVg/b4X-VUJ2dGEfKhRE5epColjWVOxQizomQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1295.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MEO4NX3QktE/Wkxfh6dt-nI/AAAAAAAAfVg/b4X-VUJ2dGEfKhRE5epColjWVOxQizomQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1295.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><h4>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">In this batch, I used half the dough for the regular rolls, and half for the raspberry variation) </span>*****You can see how filling leaked out but NO DOUGH stuck to <a href="http://amzn.to/2qmKUen" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">the mats</span></a> - see that piece of dough at the top that goes beyond the mat? It's stuck to the countertop; when I sliced the rolled dough down the middle, the part over the mat receded but the part on the countertop stuck.</span></h4>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br />Cover (I used the same moist dishcloth but you could use plastic wrap) and let rise again, again in a warm place, for about an hour, until rolls are all touching each other and appear to be the proper size. If you refrigerated overnight, you may need to let them rise an extra 30 mins or so.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bvcUQ0I-lZE/WkxeN3vTLXI/AAAAAAAAfVE/sDz6ykuPb5sxL7_IMs0MzJDRqumcdxzpwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bvcUQ0I-lZE/WkxeN3vTLXI/AAAAAAAAfVE/sDz6ykuPb5sxL7_IMs0MzJDRqumcdxzpwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1299.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Risen and ready to bake! (half-batch)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Then bake at 375 for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden on top. Do not overcook!!!! Or undercook. It's worth it to test a roll with a knife, you can just eat that one later. While it cooks and cools a bit, prepare the glaze. Just add everything in and whisk it up OR mix it in the mixer!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VDwqAip1tuw/WkxeBGfWHtI/AAAAAAAAfVA/5dkxcjKsI1ot5S0SXffG5Im36N84dD2IQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VDwqAip1tuw/WkxeBGfWHtI/AAAAAAAAfVA/5dkxcjKsI1ot5S0SXffG5Im36N84dD2IQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1331.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh from the oven, ready to ice! (half-batch)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">Cover with the glaze - I actually only use about half the glaze recipe, and I drizzle it, because I don't like a lot of icing. I save the other half and make more rolls eventually; it keeps really well. But if you're an icing lover, feel free to slather it all on! Serve. Heavenly!!!!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ayXHsz0sIvw/WloyO45tfeI/AAAAAAAAfYg/6c3zW9-qFNYhZ8aTP0KrQwnyjM5zzZuwgCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ayXHsz0sIvw/WloyO45tfeI/AAAAAAAAfYg/6c3zW9-qFNYhZ8aTP0KrQwnyjM5zzZuwgCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1352.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It simply doesn't get better than this!!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BBnbQKnnSK8/WloyUIkALnI/AAAAAAAAfYg/3dca9samv2I52PRpjdLYWH973fSTuOgwwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1354.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BBnbQKnnSK8/WloyUIkALnI/AAAAAAAAfYg/3dca9samv2I52PRpjdLYWH973fSTuOgwwCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1354.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><i>Raspberry Filling Variation:</i></span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"> </span></b><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"> For a fresh raspberry edge, add to the above filling recipe 2 tbsp of raspberry preserves (I used raspberry-apricot by Bonne Maman) and the zest of one lemon. Then rip some fresh raspberries and set on top of the filling before rolling. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HqTaPylv_Ck/WkxeVJvcpwI/AAAAAAAAfVI/ozhYqdzZtzM40tI4pe4UH-SvIrS9ABOZQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1296.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HqTaPylv_Ck/WkxeVJvcpwI/AAAAAAAAfVI/ozhYqdzZtzM40tI4pe4UH-SvIrS9ABOZQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1296.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raspberry filling variation - easy! (half-batch)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BFbvljLk-EM/Wkxeb75c1MI/AAAAAAAAfVM/7SyOKUJD3C4jZfu8riRi7WoviudNkz4FgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1301.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BFbvljLk-EM/Wkxeb75c1MI/AAAAAAAAfVM/7SyOKUJD3C4jZfu8riRi7WoviudNkz4FgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1301.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Risen and ready to bake! (half batch)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZoslOdwPxg/WkxehjWUagI/AAAAAAAAfVU/7Lz5Vs7cWI4tHbXZy9Lt-mTHQ2ooH_OmwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ZoslOdwPxg/WkxehjWUagI/AAAAAAAAfVU/7Lz5Vs7cWI4tHbXZy9Lt-mTHQ2ooH_OmwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1330.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh from the oven and ready to ice! (half batch)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-3886763369736455798" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 700px;">
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1cNdI2JoqUc/Wk57LhLXLQI/AAAAAAAAfWk/LOs_H4KfgysFBO7sV6rMpHBcXVpjRqKzwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1348.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1cNdI2JoqUc/Wk57LhLXLQI/AAAAAAAAfWk/LOs_H4KfgysFBO7sV6rMpHBcXVpjRqKzwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1348.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another option (the possibilities are endless!) - Here I added apricot jam to the filling and reduced the sugar by 1/4 cup)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;">
<em style="border: 0px; color: #999999; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /><br />Married to Medicine Blog is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to amazon.com where products carried on Amazon are mentioned. The above post contains affiliate links. </em></div>
</div>
<div style="clear: both; color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;">
</div>
</div>
<br />ElleMurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585481665526225076noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762736094770946238.post-44344460890285479662018-01-02T18:12:00.000-08:002018-01-04T20:21:45.171-08:00A Merry Little Christmas...I can't believe been over a year since I did a personal post!! I definitely need to put to paper what started out for us as a sad little Christmas but ended up just perfect.<br />
<br />
Long story short, Mark got the "holiday block" and had to work looooong days all through Christmas, including Christmas Day (12/22 - 1/5). He'd be leaving the house by 6:30am and not returning until after the kids were in bed. We'd barely see him but we couldn't ditch him to go home to the Midwest... so my parents agreed to come to us! I began seeing all the bright sides of the situation, and excitedly planned our holiday menu. I made and froze my favorite <a href="http://bostonwed-murakami.blogspot.com/2015/09/curried-butternut-squash-and-pear-soup.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Curried Butternut Squash and Pear Soup</b></span></a>, and daydreamed about how much my parents would love our special "Christmas morning" recipe, <a href="http://bostonwed-murakami.blogspot.com/2011/12/all-time-favorite-recipe-orange-citrus.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Citrus Sweet Rolls</b></span></a>. I picked up a few extra gifts for my parents, to thank them for all the magical Christmas gift-opening mornings they'd provided me. I felt relieved that my kids would have at least one Christmas in their own home, since I worry that they soon won't buy the "special approval" I get each year for Santa to come early to our house.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-toN7RFzn22I/WkwEQJwvqeI/AAAAAAAAfTI/lC2pTMdC9b0h-DraQoocOFpuB4Smkn-BQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1261.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-toN7RFzn22I/WkwEQJwvqeI/AAAAAAAAfTI/lC2pTMdC9b0h-DraQoocOFpuB4Smkn-BQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1261.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stockings were hung on the window with care...<br />
Stockings and tree skirt by <a href="http://bit.ly/2CHzZ1A" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Pottery Barn Kids</b></span></a> (woodland collection).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
But about a week before their flight was scheduled to leave, my dad suffered a major knee injury. He stepped funny on some steps and ripped his tendon fully out of his patella. Surgery was scheduled for a few days before his flight, and his knee would need to be fully immobilized and unbendable for several weeks - he literally couldn't even fit on the plane (plus was in too much pain to have tolerated travel). Oh man, what a blow - and not just for him! I pictured myself all alone watching my kids open their gifts on Christmas morning. How lonely it would be!<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2NTe147F_C8/WkwKYRBNApI/AAAAAAAAfUE/6f3GU6dNW_8JDT6wxd1fLe7r8azv4-SgwCLcBGAs/s1600/knee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2NTe147F_C8/WkwKYRBNApI/AAAAAAAAfUE/6f3GU6dNW_8JDT6wxd1fLe7r8azv4-SgwCLcBGAs/s320/knee.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So sad.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
But somehow, honestly... and to my complete surprise... we really had the best Christmas ever. It was so simple and so sweet - and so relaxing! The weather cooperated just right and we had a true White Christmas, complete with a blizzard on Christmas morning. My kids (it turns out) are at the perfect ages for enjoying the magic of Christmas, and for being able to hang out all day at home without destroying the house. A few of our highlights...<br />
<br />
Even as I was still sure Christmas would be awful, I knew were lucky to have a major bright spot a couple weeks prior. One of my best friend's moms plays for the Boston Pops and she was able to get us discounted tickets to the Boston Ballet's Nutracker (it's like, <i>the</i> Nutcracker out here). 😍😍😍 Claire has been taking lessons at Boston Ballet and loving them... her favorite movie this year is Leap! Mark had the (Sunday) evening off and we had a wonderful time. Even Matthew enjoyed it... he got a massive candy bar at intermission ;)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I6_fnPzpXqA/WkwEAcC_wOI/AAAAAAAAfTE/PGERKqd0jCcGkLJFEUUaOq0ETxrmK668wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1260.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I6_fnPzpXqA/WkwEAcC_wOI/AAAAAAAAfTE/PGERKqd0jCcGkLJFEUUaOq0ETxrmK668wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1260.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love love LOVE this sweet ballet outfit by <a href="http://shrsl.com/ptt4" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Janie & Jack</b></span>.</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gx6ynZdBudI/WkwJ7UYWM6I/AAAAAAAAfT4/0fWJpO9ueacRmozWE7z4922nhGeJKDUrQCLcBGAs/s1600/Nutracker%2Bready.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="901" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gx6ynZdBudI/WkwJ7UYWM6I/AAAAAAAAfT4/0fWJpO9ueacRmozWE7z4922nhGeJKDUrQCLcBGAs/s640/Nutracker%2Bready.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We took the public transit - frigid, but added to the sense of adventure<br />
Got the peacoat on a STEAL from <a href="http://bit.ly/2CFvWTf" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>GILT</b></span></a> - it's Kate Spade!!<br />
Glitter pink boots are UGGs, with adorable ribbons up the back - check them out <a href="http://bit.ly/2CcUeTr" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>here</b></span></a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bm59PvbCsms/WkwKBwmVbdI/AAAAAAAAfUA/V7OzHQfdCyYVoD5phS5B49K3uxoknl5zwCLcBGAs/s1600/Nutcracker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1440" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bm59PvbCsms/WkwKBwmVbdI/AAAAAAAAfUA/V7OzHQfdCyYVoD5phS5B49K3uxoknl5zwCLcBGAs/s640/Nutcracker.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Such a magical night!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Santa Lucia day also brought Christmas cheer, complete with a beautiful dress gifted to Claire by her grandmother and aunt. Mark is most obviously half Japanese, but the other half is mostly Swedish... and since that's the maternal half, it's the culture that dominated ;)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--mc0CGBgV4g/WkwK08KKX0I/AAAAAAAAfUQ/jS8pDqcugnAUwL43Z277CPo6xpoPNd0aQCLcBGAs/s1600/Lucia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/--mc0CGBgV4g/WkwK08KKX0I/AAAAAAAAfUQ/jS8pDqcugnAUwL43Z277CPo6xpoPNd0aQCLcBGAs/s640/Lucia.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My little Lucia.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Christmas Eve, gulp. I've spent soooooo many holidays alone with babies and toddlers, and it's so painful since nothing is open to take them to, to break up the day. Plus it was freezing out - way too cold for the park. I was really dreading it. But actually, we'd ended up too busy until that day to do our annual tradition of seeing The Polar Express in 4D at the Museum of Science. And as it turned out, MOS <i>was</i> open! We flew downtown and caught the very last showing - ran into one of our favorite local family friends too! After that, hmmm.... what else could we do to kill time? It turned out that L.A. Burdick's in Harvard Square was open, too. Famous hot chocolate on Christmas Eve?! Perfect!!!!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2AD3AEjaHZ0/WkwJu2i33SI/AAAAAAAAfT0/8TrcStE-70wFFnw8R_kTaSTHREkxBALnACLcBGAs/s1600/Burdick%2527s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="810" data-original-width="1440" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2AD3AEjaHZ0/WkwJu2i33SI/AAAAAAAAfT0/8TrcStE-70wFFnw8R_kTaSTHREkxBALnACLcBGAs/s640/Burdick%2527s.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">L.A. Burdick's on Christmas Eve, for their famous hot chcolate</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Then... Christmas miracle! Mark managed to get off at 4pm!!!!! I couldn't believe it. I had purchased a prime rib, potatoes, and carrots, wanting the meal to be special for me and the kids... and now we had our full family together, plus we made it to the Christmas Eve service at our church. The service was beautiful. Say what you want about religion, but even my ever-skeptical heart is absolutely wooed by a holiday that celebrates (when you think about it) the birth of a child as a precious gift, mothers, families, humble beginnings, and "bringing silver and gold" to the poor. I <i>love</i> Christmas... LOVE. We hurried home through the gorgeous, snowy streets of Lexington, listening to Christmas carols and taking in the best holiday light displays. Then, feast! The prime rib and mashed potatoes were the heartiest, tastiest meal for a frigid Christmas Eve! We opened all the gifts (other than Santa's) with my husband that night. I was so thankful that he got to be there for it!!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QJIbTNfXlgg/WkwD3f8uJwI/AAAAAAAAfTA/dYyh0IA2kk8G7XfnDpIEICM-3Ch7YgQGgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1269.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QJIbTNfXlgg/WkwD3f8uJwI/AAAAAAAAfTA/dYyh0IA2kk8G7XfnDpIEICM-3Ch7YgQGgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1269.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a tiny gathering, but with Daddy there it was just right!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
One last thing before bed - cookies and milk for Santa, and some carrots for his reindeer. I love that my job running <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/clairesclosetdeals/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Claire's Closet Finds</b></span></a> basically requires me to find the very best kids' products out there... we bought our <a href="http://amzn.to/2EOSPEk" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Santa's Message Plate Set by Child to Cherish</b></span></a> three Christmases ago and it remains one of our most favorite parts of the holiday. The plate is a chalkboard, so my kids leave Santa a message (thanking him) and then he leaves a message back to them about his observations of their character over the years. Check it out...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iPxRtdaSyKE/WkzmjBZHUrI/AAAAAAAAfWQ/_nrBPZMBw3Q6AWNvbOWtTWJq07WK06rQwCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1271.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iPxRtdaSyKE/WkzmjBZHUrI/AAAAAAAAfWQ/_nrBPZMBw3Q6AWNvbOWtTWJq07WK06rQwCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1271.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2EOSPEk" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Santa's Message Plate</span></a> </span></b>- what they wrote for him.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T-ST5B2h7gA/WkzmbAFm74I/AAAAAAAAfWM/-EZEAYZOI6Q-dOqYJecrXbz7jibXJ7VEQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T-ST5B2h7gA/WkzmbAFm74I/AAAAAAAAfWM/-EZEAYZOI6Q-dOqYJecrXbz7jibXJ7VEQCEwYBhgL/s640/IMG_1275.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What "he" wrote back to them ("Ho! Ho! Ho! Dear Matthew & Claire Thank you for the egg nog and cookies! Rudolf says thanks for the carrots. I've been most pleased by how Matthew takes care of his mom and how Claire has been learning to control some of her "big feelings" this year. Keep up the good work! I hope you enjoy the presents. -Mr. C") </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Christmas morning dawned not too early, as my kids don't wake until 7:30 these days (ahhhh, any time I wonder about having a 3rd I have only to remind myself...). Mark was of course gone, but even being the only adult I really enjoyed watching them open their Santa gifts. Claire squealed ecstatically when she opened her <a href="http://bit.ly/2lJyxn2" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Maryellen</b></span></a> (American Girl) doll. It was so fun to watch her; the two Christmases I received <a href="http://bit.ly/2lJLxJn" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>American Girl dolls</b></span></a> (Samantha and Kirsten) were my most memorable of all. Matthew was thrilled that Santa brought him so many Zelda toys - how did he know?! 😉<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nik2cFBt0Jg/WkwOX7C9vYI/AAAAAAAAfUk/13TpvJKZi9UMpJlh8usPpxaLbrQFzeT1wCLcBGAs/s1600/Santa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Nik2cFBt0Jg/WkwOX7C9vYI/AAAAAAAAfUk/13TpvJKZi9UMpJlh8usPpxaLbrQFzeT1wCLcBGAs/s640/Santa.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Santa's special paper.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DNha0z6xNis/WkwDaF3JNCI/AAAAAAAAfS4/4eO1VzrOFqkKMRvgCJzulzizGW2ljHu3wCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DNha0z6xNis/WkwDaF3JNCI/AAAAAAAAfS4/4eO1VzrOFqkKMRvgCJzulzizGW2ljHu3wCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1289.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So in love with <a href="http://bit.ly/2lJyxn2" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Maryellen</b></span></a> and her <a href="http://bit.ly/2lJ8Ra4" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Ice Skating Set</b></span></a>!<br />
Also LOVE our Pottery Barn Kids Stockings - check them out <a href="http://bit.ly/2CbuJSF" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>here</b></span></a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
It's hard to cook when it's just you and the kids, but I managed to bake up a super easy, ah-mazing <a href="http://huntscooking.blogspot.com/2011/08/chili-egg-puff.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>egg bake</b></span></a>. Oh my goodness you have GOT to try<span style="color: #990000;"><b> <a href="http://huntscooking.blogspot.com/2011/08/chili-egg-puff.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">this recipe</span></a></b></span>!!! Simply divine. We had it with some chocolate croissants since the orange rolls hadn't quite been made yet. As we ate and the kids enjoyed their new toys, the blizzard swirled around us... one thing I love about snow is that it makes the world so quiet - as close as it ever gets to silent. Toasty in our apartment, everything was just perfect. And then... Christmas miracle #2. Mark walked in at about 2:00 pm. Hooray! We enjoyed the day as a family and gobbled down amazing leftovers. Along with some<span style="color: #990000;"><b> <span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://www.delscookingtwist.com/2013/11/12/swedish-cardamom-buns-with-a-twist-of-raspberries/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Swedish Raspberry Cardamom Twists</span></a> </span></b></span>we made - these are SO good, and you only need 1/2 a batch!!!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8oR9qvH1yBw/WkwDPXw4HyI/AAAAAAAAfS0/S6jSV9ROE6oilJrWvs1_n8n9gpZEhiBTQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8oR9qvH1yBw/WkwDPXw4HyI/AAAAAAAAfS0/S6jSV9ROE6oilJrWvs1_n8n9gpZEhiBTQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1290.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BLIZZARD!!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Over the next several days of break, again to my complete surprise, I thoroughly enjoyed all my solo-parenting time with my kids. They are at the best ages (5 & 7) - they're still so cute and fun, but they can totally entertain themselves (especially with lots of new Christmas toys) without making <i>too</i> disastrous a mess. Many forts were made, and much cooking and baking was done. Keeping it real - lots of relaxing screen time too 😉 The highlights:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>More ah-mazing <a href="http://huntscooking.blogspot.com/2011/08/chili-egg-puff.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Egg Bake</b></span></a>. Can't. Stop. Making it!!!!</li>
<li>Our <a href="http://bostonwed-murakami.blogspot.com/2011/12/all-time-favorite-recipe-orange-citrus.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Citrus Sweet Rolls</b></span></a>. At long last. SO good.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5etVe1oo_HE/WkwIVv7uVZI/AAAAAAAAfTc/JjP9RXr2UHQMYvxltDtBOQYBFHEVKqxrQCLcBGAs/s1600/helpers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5etVe1oo_HE/WkwIVv7uVZI/AAAAAAAAfTc/JjP9RXr2UHQMYvxltDtBOQYBFHEVKqxrQCLcBGAs/s640/helpers.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roll out your dough on one of <a href="http://amzn.to/2CegxIr" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>these mats</b></span></a> - it won't stick at all! Game changer!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/vanilla-pudding-3362045" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Homemade vanilla pudding</span></b></a> (it's the best!)</li>
<li>Found the best recipe yet for<span style="color: #990000;"> <a href="http://www.twosisterscrafting.com/best-ever-rice-krispie-treat-recipe/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Rice Krispy Treats</b></span></a></span></li>
<li><a href="https://www.familyfreshmeals.com/2017/07/creamy-instant-pot-mac-and-cheese.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Homemade mac & cheese</b></span></a> in the <a href="http://amzn.to/2EGyQI4" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Instant Pot</b></span></a></li>
<li>MORE sweet rolls!!!! We made FIVE batches, and in addition to perfecting our citrus/orange rolls I made the Swedish Raspberry Cardamom Twist recipe into sweet rolls AND created my own <a href="http://bostonwed-murakami.blogspot.com/2018/01/cardamom-sweet-rolls-with-maple-glaze.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Cardamom Sweet Rolls - both with a to DIE for Maple/Coffee Icing</b></span></a>!!!! I'll be making the citrus ones and the cardamom ones every Christmas for SURE! </li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VbBo07-lAXg/WkxlMvLFRjI/AAAAAAAAfV4/SaDHcPERLFoQtKJB4f5uYoiNVDv_8PZ2ACLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1331.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VbBo07-lAXg/WkxlMvLFRjI/AAAAAAAAfV4/SaDHcPERLFoQtKJB4f5uYoiNVDv_8PZ2ACLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1331.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://bostonwed-murakami.blogspot.com/2018/01/cardamom-sweet-rolls-with-maple-glaze.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">Cardamom Sweet Rolls with Maple Glaze</span></a></b>, ready to be iced!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lo20QED9uHg/WkwIi_P6dHI/AAAAAAAAfTg/RRMyJfBjonQXrkXB4OyHvplT7j-RCTBVQCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lo20QED9uHg/WkwIi_P6dHI/AAAAAAAAfTg/RRMyJfBjonQXrkXB4OyHvplT7j-RCTBVQCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1330.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://bostonwed-murakami.blogspot.com/2018/01/cardamom-sweet-rolls-with-maple-glaze.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">Raspberry Cardamom Sweet Rolls with Maple Glaze</span></b>,</a> ready to be iced!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li>Gingerbread house!!!<br /> </li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QBMc6jykutI/WkwEgOUsWhI/AAAAAAAAfTQ/q8sg2Vv03r0tG6RPA0qdtwch3bzTAvz_QCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1294.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QBMc6jykutI/WkwEgOUsWhI/AAAAAAAAfTQ/q8sg2Vv03r0tG6RPA0qdtwch3bzTAvz_QCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1294.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I did a lot of research before settling on<span style="color: #990000;"><b> <a href="http://amzn.to/2Ce8ag8" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">this gingerbread house kit</span></a></b> </span>- it's actually pretty tasty!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HHLbjQpSv8g/WkwOkWHPxoI/AAAAAAAAfUo/6FDlEwmxqy4A65Jlucg5sej2NTKAwn_HwCLcBGAs/s1600/snowman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HHLbjQpSv8g/WkwOkWHPxoI/AAAAAAAAfUo/6FDlEwmxqy4A65Jlucg5sej2NTKAwn_HwCLcBGAs/s640/snowman.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This cardigan is everything. 😍😍😍<br />
Check out <a href="http://bit.ly/2CmFd1q" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>Nordstrom's Mini Boden Selection</b></span></a><span style="color: #990000;"> </span>- *everything* ships and returns free (no minimum!) ALWAYS.<br />
OR check out the <a href="http://bit.ly/2CLWqCA" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>NEW spring line at Boden</b></span></a>, it just loaded today - women's too!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In spite of gaining about 50 lbs, my heart is more full than my stomach. This Christmas was just what I needed to sort of step away from<span style="color: #990000;"> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/clairesclosetdeals/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #990000;">my business page</span></b></a></span> and our usually harried existence of work/school, and a zillion after-school and weekend activities, and to just <i>be</i>. To enjoy my children at some of their most enjoyable stages. To cook and eat with them some of the foods I hope have built and will continue building for them associated seasonal, familial, and just childhood-magical memories. I have so many favorite Christmas carols... it's Christmas station or bust over here from Thanksgiving on... but the carol for this year is definitely "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas."<br />
<br />
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-3886763369736455798" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 700px;">
<div>
<em style="border: 0px; color: #999999; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">The above post contains affiliate links; I earn a small % commission on purchases made through my links. No items were provided to me to review; this is all stuff I bought that we own and love.</em></div>
</div>
ElleMurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585481665526225076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762736094770946238.post-67002221301221254252018-01-01T19:19:00.002-08:002018-01-07T19:10:50.809-08:00Citrus Sweet Rolls (our Christmas recipe... perfect for a winter's morning)Oh. My. GOSH. When my husband and I first bit into these rolls we were absolutely blown away. Better than my wildest dreams, these rolls had it all: Moist, stretchy dough texture - even on the outside of the roll, sweet citrus zing, and a hint of savory (if you do the cream cheese frosting - I <i>might</i> prefer a citrus glaze, details and both recipes below!).<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w5ginVlKz34/TtkZ8_ebSII/AAAAAAAAA4I/IH3_zuYTyUo/s1600/IMG_9184.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w5ginVlKz34/TtkZ8_ebSII/AAAAAAAAA4I/IH3_zuYTyUo/s640/IMG_9184.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">I love how citrus is seasonal in the winter - really brightens it up!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I wrote in an <a href="http://bostonwed-murakami.blogspot.com/2011/03/pure-love.html">old blog entry</a> that one of my goals is to try as many recipes as possible so that I can find THE best recipes to be the seasonal staples of my children's childhoods. Devouring my first roll I knew: <i>I had arrived</i>. I'd found THE #1 Christmas morning recipe for my family. For us, there can be no more important recipe. Of course, it'll be awhile before I'm hosting my own Christmases. But for now, I'm thinking our tree-decorating day and whatever day we celebrate Christmas in Boston will include this recipe... and I'll make it at NO other time of the year, to preserve its magic.<br />
<br />
Here it is, with pics. I tweaked and combined two different recipes to arrive at our final creation.<br />
<br />
<i>For the dough</i>:<br />
3 cups all-purpose flour<br />
1/4 cup sugar<br />
2 1/4 tsp instant yeast<br />
pinch of salt<br />
1 stick unsalted butter, melted<br />
1/2 cup buttermilk<br />
2 large eggs, lightly whisked<br />
<br />
<i>For the filling:</i><br />
1 stick butter, softened<br />
Zest of 1 orange<br />
1 tsp orange extract<br />
3/4 cup brown sugar (I used dark)<br />
<br />
<i>If you like cream cheese icing - leave butter and cream cheese out in advance!:</i><br />
1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened<br />
1 stick butter, softened<br />
1.5 cups confectioners' (powdered) sugar<br />
1 teaspoons orange extract<br />
<br />
<i>If you prefer a citrus glaze:</i><br />
1/4 cup orange juice<br />
1/2 tsp vanilla<br />
2 cups confectioners (powedered) sugar)<br />
pinch salt<br />
2-3 tbsp milk or cream, as preferred for consistency<br />
Zest of 1 orange<br />
<br />
<i>Directions (takes a little time, but not at all difficult)</i>:<br />
<br />
Place the flour sugar, yeast, and salt in a mixing bowl. Melt the butter in a saucepan and add the buttermilk - this should bring it to a little warmer than room temp (too hot will kill the yeast), swish it around in the pan and add it to the bowl of dry ingredients. Lightly whisk the eggs - just use the same pan you used for the butter/milk mixture, and add those too. Mix in mixer a little until it comes together - use a dough hook attachment if you have one - then knead with your hands for about 7 minutes. Place in a lightly greased or oiled bowl and flip it over so the top of the dough is also greased. Cover (I use a wet dishcloth for moisture) and let rise in a warm place (I turn my oven on and off briefly so that the oven is slightly warm) for 2 hrs or until doubled.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UiHfRbZgggk/Wkr03Ow94VI/AAAAAAAAfRs/J49X1z6bu0MyPOLJcySNem54jOnD6V-BgCLcBGAs/s1600/IMG_1292.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UiHfRbZgggk/Wkr03Ow94VI/AAAAAAAAfRs/J49X1z6bu0MyPOLJcySNem54jOnD6V-BgCLcBGAs/s640/IMG_1292.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't say enough about <a href="http://amzn.to/2EuDKrn" target="_blank">these baking mats</a> (and they're cheap too!). It is practically miraculous how the dough does not stick to them at all, even without flouring them. I did a side-by-side comparison of what happened when I kneaded the (very moist) dough on the countertop versus the mat - you can see how it stuck to the countertop but not at all anywhere on the mat. You'd be fine without one, but you'd have to add flour.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
While dough rises, prepare the filling. Simply mix everything together. Then grease or butter a 9 x 12 inch baking pan.<br />
<br />
Punch dough down, and again turn it out on lightly floured surface or<a href="http://amzn.to/2lECjy3" target="_blank"> baking mat</a>. Roll until it's about 18 inches by 12ish (doesn't have to be perfect). Spread the filling evenly all over.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6yaz3EWzsRg/Wkr1fB0QRBI/AAAAAAAAfR0/5_1ZJnfCBI4iITQQvbCrJLrLNlJtI9AwACLcBGAs/s1600/helpers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6yaz3EWzsRg/Wkr1fB0QRBI/AAAAAAAAfR0/5_1ZJnfCBI4iITQQvbCrJLrLNlJtI9AwACLcBGAs/s640/helpers.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Spreading the filling is a great time for kids to help!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Roll up, starting at one of the longer (18") sides. Once rolled, slice it into about 12 slices (so, 1.5 inches each to make 18 inches) - doesn't have to be perfect!! By the way, I'm told unwaxed floss is great for the slicing, but I use <a href="http://amzn.to/2Cr2Tp0" target="_blank">this dough cutter</a> by OXO - it's cheap and it's also really handy for scraping flour off surfaces and into the trash. Place the slices as evenly as you can in the prepared baking dish. <b>At this point, you can cover and refrigerate overnight if you prefer!</b><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QNCGUy4I6Hg/Wkr2VtBQ3LI/AAAAAAAAfSA/Z6y5tzMX_zkpZPYRL95uvVfw6eZiEQ7QwCLcBGAs/s1600/before%2Brising%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QNCGUy4I6Hg/Wkr2VtBQ3LI/AAAAAAAAfSA/Z6y5tzMX_zkpZPYRL95uvVfw6eZiEQ7QwCLcBGAs/s400/before%2Brising%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m1daRJueWFQ/Wkr2Zabe2II/AAAAAAAAfSE/gT0oG4ACUtsmORzCc059ilsUyIiySFEfQCLcBGAs/s1600/before%2Brising.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m1daRJueWFQ/Wkr2Zabe2II/AAAAAAAAfSE/gT0oG4ACUtsmORzCc059ilsUyIiySFEfQCLcBGAs/s400/before%2Brising.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Cover (I used the same moist dishcloth but you could use plastic wrap, you may want to grease it a little because it'll stick a little bit) and let rise again, again in a warm place, for about an hour, until rolls are all touching each other and appear to be the proper size. If you refrigerated overnight, you may need to let them rise an extra 30 mins or so.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D37htD7eM7U/Wkr2jLgQQ2I/AAAAAAAAfSI/wqJe9ZSnbCEotrmIN1iky8LSJYcXPpGpQCLcBGAs/s1600/before%2Bbaking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-D37htD7eM7U/Wkr2jLgQQ2I/AAAAAAAAfSI/wqJe9ZSnbCEotrmIN1iky8LSJYcXPpGpQCLcBGAs/s640/before%2Bbaking.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Fully risen, ready for the oven!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Then bake at 375 for 15 minutes, or until lightly golden on top. Do not overcook!!!! Or undercook. It's worth it to test a roll with a knife, you can just eat that one later. While it cooks and cools a bit, prepare the glaze OR the cream cheese frosting. Just add everything in and stir (glaze) or mix in mixer (frosting).<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Cover with the glaze (or frosting). Serve. Heavenly!!!!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ybvwG87W2EY/TtkbK9tqA7I/AAAAAAAAA44/DrF9F8NTFNg/s1600/IMG_9175.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ybvwG87W2EY/TtkbK9tqA7I/AAAAAAAAA44/DrF9F8NTFNg/s640/IMG_9175.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Frosted. PERFECT December morning.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="960" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3RZMkhlxF-g/Wkr3vWeyyfI/AAAAAAAAfSY/Xdsc8KRHbqkRZ9B-T1EkHq5P6xzeX12QwCLcBGAs/s640/finishe%2Bdprodcut.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">And here's the final product with the citrus glaze. I really can't pick a winner!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3RZMkhlxF-g/Wkr3vWeyyfI/AAAAAAAAfSY/Xdsc8KRHbqkRZ9B-T1EkHq5P6xzeX12QwCLcBGAs/s1600/finishe%2Bdprodcut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br /></div>
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3RZMkhlxF-g/Wkr3vWeyyfI/AAAAAAAAfSY/Xdsc8KRHbqkRZ9B-T1EkHq5P6xzeX12QwCLcBGAs/s1600/finishe%2Bdprodcut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-3886763369736455798" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 700px;">
<div>
<em style="border: 0px; color: #999999; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Married to Medicine Blog is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to amazon.com where products carried on Amazon are mentioned. The above post contains affiliate links. </em></div>
<div style="clear: both;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="post-footer" style="background-color: #f9f9f9; border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); color: #666666; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 10.8px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 20px -2px 0px; padding: 5px 10px;">
</div>
ElleMurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585481665526225076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762736094770946238.post-54250433489802334902017-05-09T07:57:00.002-07:002017-05-09T20:16:09.606-07:00How To Spot Fake (Medical) News<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Lots of talk these days about "fake news." Our nation is in the midst of a collective <i>prise de conscience</i> and at long last, people are realizing that half the "news" they get from social media is fake - or at least, grossly misrepresented. It's dawning on people that they might <i>actually</i> want to check the source. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8WnkPohggBU/WRHYn64lMwI/AAAAAAAAUpE/qE9SqktTNBwJpKUfeNySibv3pZdcQ7EzACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-05-09%2Bat%2B10.54.24%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8WnkPohggBU/WRHYn64lMwI/AAAAAAAAUpE/qE9SqktTNBwJpKUfeNySibv3pZdcQ7EzACLcB/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-05-09%2Bat%2B10.54.24%2BAM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/life-style/health/fake-news-thrives-people-trust-memories-study-article-1.2903137" target="_blank">photo credit</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Not so, though, with medical news. Still today if the topic is medical, all you have to do is throw the word "natural" into your URL and bam, your word ... which will undoubtedly include shocking revelations somehow unbeknownst to the people whose life work involves the study or practice of a particular subject matter ... is gold. Why is this? Well, presumably it's because lay people have literally no idea how to tell a legitimate medical article or study from a bogus one. Good news: I can help you out with that.<br />
<br />
Let's take <a href="http://info.cmsri.org/the-driven-researcher-blog/vaccinated-vs.-unvaccinated-guess-who-is-sicker" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>this article</b></span></a> as our example (you can click on the red to open it).<br />
<br />
At first glance, it looks pretty legitimate - right? The website is the "Children's Medical Safety Research Institute." Can't argue with a title like that. It sounds like it's some sort of fancy, cutting edge collaboration of the best scientific minds around. And I mean it has the word "safety" in it, so obviously this "institute" has only the best of intentions!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WgwNyQe_D04/WRICcjHEm-I/AAAAAAAAUpU/tqD1nnaS8i4AWREZW48mS4-7SoHG3CqHACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-05-09%2Bat%2B1.53.56%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="97" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WgwNyQe_D04/WRICcjHEm-I/AAAAAAAAUpU/tqD1nnaS8i4AWREZW48mS4-7SoHG3CqHACLcB/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-05-09%2Bat%2B1.53.56%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Seriously - does it get more legit-looking than this? </i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
But if you poke around a little on google, you'll find that all it is is a website of alleged "research" funded by a married couple, neither of whom is any sort of physician or scientist. It closely mimics the name of the fully legit "Children's Medical Research Institute" but don't be fooled - it's not the same. And don't miss the "click to donate" button about two-thirds of the way down the article. <br />
<br />
But... the post is based on a real study! See? There's even a cool infograph! <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FLp1wkAYDqw/WRHWfFUqzNI/AAAAAAAAUo0/wSDLG2IGpUYL_8Qbobq0G5Wh2qmWoTTCgCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-05-09%2Bat%2B10.31.51%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="396" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FLp1wkAYDqw/WRHWfFUqzNI/AAAAAAAAUo0/wSDLG2IGpUYL_8Qbobq0G5Wh2qmWoTTCgCLcB/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-05-09%2Bat%2B10.31.51%2BAM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cool infograph</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Is it? Hmm. Let's look closer.<br />
<br />
Clue #1: Even if you know <i>nothing</i> about determining the legitimacy of an online study, you <i>might</i> be tipped off by the article's claim that the study, a "pilot study of 666 homeschooled children," is the "first of its kind." The article itself states that "Remarkably, not a single published study has ever compared vaccinated kids to unvaccinated kids to see who is healthier years after the shots." Remarkable <i>indeed</i>! D'oh! How on Earth did we not think to do this until just now - we've been debating vaccine safety for decades and not a single scientist has thought to compare vaccinated to unvaccinated children years after their shots?! Silly us. In reality of course, there exists a multitude of such studies, not only out of the U.S. but out of other Western nations as well. Here are just a few (<a href="https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B2FJcOssK83yeVdsX1RyTE1yTzg/edit" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>this</b></span></a>, <a href="http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2275444" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>this</b></span></a>, and <a href="http://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa021134" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>this</b></span></a>)<br />
<br />
But even if you come across a "study" whose conclusions actually do seem legitimate, you can still dig further to determine whether - or to what degree - those conclusions actually are. And in fact, you must do so. Because there is a lot of fake "science" out there on the internet. Here's the link to<span style="color: #990000;"><b> <a href="http://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2013/10/03/228859954/some-online-journals-will-publish-fake-science-for-a-fee?sc=tw" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">a sting operation by NPR</span></a></b></span> that found that many online "journals" will actually publish fake science for a fee. And here's <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2016/12/29/upshot/fake-academe-looking-much-like-the-real-thing.html?emc=eta1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>an NYT article</b></span></a> that discusses the "world of fake academia" and why it exists. How do you dig further? Here are a few ways:<br />
<br />
(<b>1) First, google the journal that the study was published in and add the phrase "impact factor." </b>A journal's impact factor is the official measure of the yearly average number of citations, in other journals, to recent articles published in that journal - in other words, it's a measurement of whether or not, and at what frequency, other medical and scientific journals are citing the journal you're curious about. The leading medical journal in the U.S., the NEJM, has an impact factor of 59.558. Bogus journals may have a very low impact factor or, in the case of the "Journal of Translational Sciences" from the article we're examining, no impact factor at all (<i>but be careful - the Journal of Translational *Medicine* <b><u>is</u></b> a legitimate journal... now do you see what they're doing?</i>).<br />
<br />
(<b>2) Consider the qualifications of the authors of the study. </b>I usually look for studies that have at least one author who holds an M.D. plus a relevant scientific post-graduate degree (e.g., an M.D. and a Ph.D.). If you see a study authored by multiple M.D.s. and Ph.Ds., that study is much more likely to be legitimate than a study with only a few authors whose qualifications are scant or nonexistent. Also, if you see a Ph.D., makes sure it's a relevant one. Remember <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laura_Schlessinger" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>"Dr. Laura"</b></span></a> (Schlessinger)? Her Ph.D. was in physiology, but most of her fans believe she actually has relevant psychological training and education. <br />
<br />
<b>(3) Examine not only the "conclusions" section but the actual data. </b>If you look closely at either of the two "studies" home birth proponents rely on to claim that home birth is just as safe as hospital birth (<a href="http://www.bmj.com/content/330/7505/1416" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>this one</b></span></a> and <a href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jmwh.12172/full" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>this one</b></span></a>), you'll see that in fact, they are relying on the sad reality that most people will only read the "conclusion" section and not actually examine the data in any meaningful way. In fact, when the second such study was first released (by MANA, the Midwives Alliance of North America), HuffPo made the mistake of believing MANA's "conclusions" (this "study" was really just self-reported data MANA was forced to release and had tried to hide), and ended up having to completely change the title of its article covering the study. WOW, right?<br />
<br />
<b>(4) Realize that as a laypeople, our examination of any single study will always lack synthesis. </b> Complex medical questions are not often (really - not ever) answered with a single study, and unless we get our own medical degrees and/or our own M.S.'s or Ph.D.'s, our examination of a single study is tunnel-visioned; we often don't even know how to properly be skeptical about it or even how to read its data. So if you find yourself arriving at a conclusion different from the clear consensus of every legitimate health organization in the world (ahem... vaccines), based on your own examination of one study (or a few studies)... you've got cause for pause ;)<br />
<br />
<b>(5) Be sure you take a look at the title of the journal. </b>This one just cracks me up! In the post examined above we have a purported study of vaccine safety supposedly published in the "Journal of Translational Science." In fact,"translational" science or medicine has nothing at all to do with vaccine safety and a study comparing vaccinated to unvaccinated children would never appear in a so-titled journal. Translational medicine refers to the efforts to use basic (think cellular) scientific findings to create new diagnostic tools and treatments. Nice try, guys! Now, let's all give a collective sigh of pity for all the people who clicked the "donate" button. Womp womp.<br />
<br />
That's my summary folks. Now you, too, can spot fake medical news.ElleMurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585481665526225076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762736094770946238.post-9044692122248346002017-01-03T21:55:00.004-08:002017-06-29T20:59:48.677-07:00What You NEED to Know About Gardasil (but probably don't)A <i>lot</i> of people ask me about Gardasil... it's the vaccine I'm asked about the most, by far. But very few people are are aware of what I consider to be the most important thing about it.<br />
<br />
Bear with me because I think giving you my personal perspective along with the facts is the best way I can share this with readers.<br />
<br />
______________________________<br />
<br />
It was 2007, and HPV wasn't on either of our minds at <i>all</i>. My husband was only 17 when I'd started dating him a decade earlier, and I was the first girl he'd ever really even kissed. We'd then saved sex for marriage... for 5 years... and gotten married right before starting demanding graduate programs. So by the time we were 27 we both had very long, well-established histories of pretty much no sex ever. HPV was not anything we were concerned with.<br />
<br />
That year, my husband finished up his academic medical training (meaning, classroom-based years) and was just starting his clinical years - the years of actually seeing patients. As you can imagine, it's <i>quite</i> an education and it's a very intense time for medical students - the privilege of working with people on their <i>most</i> important situations is not lost on any trainee who has even half a heart. Everything is new, the learning curve is incredibly steep, and the demands - physical, intellectual, and emotional - are sky high.<br />
<br />
During this time, my husband saw many things that made an impression on him, and I was sometimes his sounding board. One of the things that struck both of us as very scary... and very sad ... was something he noticed when he started his rotation in the head and neck cancer clinic. The scene there wasn't what one might think would be, based on common knowledge. About half of it <i>was</i>... about half of the patients there were the typical population of aging and elderly smokers and chewers... the sad situations he'd expected to encounter. Very sad indeed, because oral and throat cancers are not only very deadly cancers but they bring some of the most excruciating deaths and their treatments carry horrendous and often permanent side-effects, even for survivors. As a physician friend of mine has noted, "People with head and neck cancers have disfiguring masses in their mouths and throats, which make it hard for them to eat and speak ... I've been the last person to hear them talk before their vocal cords are removed in surgery, and it is a chilling experience."<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: "helvetica neue" , "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"> </span>This, again, was simply to be expected. But what my husband <i>hadn't</i> expected and what struck us as almost perverse in how strange and wrong it seemed, was that the other <i>half </i>(half!) of the patients were early middle-aged people with no history of smoking or chewing and no histories of any other high-risk lifestyle choices either. They were, by and large, parents - with young children. Totally normal parents. Parents who, along with their young families, were living out complete nightmares.<br />
<br />
What was the cause of these truly godforsaken tragedies? You've probably figured it out by now ... HPV. As I sit here writing this post, a decade later, Doctors and scientists now widely consider HPV patients to be "<a href="http://www.cancernetwork.com/oncology-journal/new-face-head-and-neck-cancer-hpv-epidemic" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>The New Face of Head and Neck Cancer</b></span></a>," and oncologists, who have nothing to do with administering the vaccine, are "<a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/cancer-doctors-leading-campaign-to-boost-use-of-hpv-vaccine/2016/06/19/1e5eb65a-2e8e-11e6-9de3-6e6e7a14000c_story.html?utm_term=.60ebf703f6df" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>leading the campaign to boost its use</b></span></a>." And here's the thing: You don't have to have sex to get HPV in your mouth ... open-mouth kissing is currently believed to be enough, and oral sex, which younger generations don't even consider to be "real" sex, will do it for sure. And here's the other thing: There's no annual pap smear, or *any* test, to catch pre-cancerous cells in the mouth or throat and scrape them away. It's tempting to tell oneself that one's children don't <i>need</i> the HPV vaccine because <i>hopefully </i>they won't be promiscuous and even if they are, they'll surely always have annual checkups (lots wrong here already, but that's outside the scope of this blog post). But even if those things <i>were</i> safe to assume, they're utterly irrelevant to protecting against the risk of HPV-originating oral and throat cancers. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WY_JnoS25Fs/WGyPxN4u1LI/AAAAAAAAMuY/trNphwrMVZcJHmw__RuhznwYAvhJR9ciQCLcB/s1600/Screenshot%2B2017-01-04%2Bat%2B12.00.29%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WY_JnoS25Fs/WGyPxN4u1LI/AAAAAAAAMuY/trNphwrMVZcJHmw__RuhznwYAvhJR9ciQCLcB/s400/Screenshot%2B2017-01-04%2Bat%2B12.00.29%2BAM.png" width="400" /></a>Most people who ask me about the HPV vaccine have no idea HPV can cause any type of cancer other than cervical. And that's simply because all of this is so new. Much as our knowledge base continues to grow, there hasn't even been enough time to complete any long-term studies; we can test the cancer cells themselves and see that they came from HPV, but we still <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/stdfact-hpvandoropharyngealcancer.htm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>don't know exactly the risk of kissing or oral sex</b></span></a> - though I once read an article by a Harvard oncologist estimating that having three or more oral sex partners is the new risk-equivalent of long-term smoking (I read that years ago now and cannot find the link - personally I don't think any solid estimation can really be made yet, but that's the only estimation I've ever seen). So most people making this choice for their children don't even know the half of what they're deciding about. And as with all the other standard vaccines, there is <i>plenty</i> of misinformation on the internet to scare parents about alleged side-effects. I'm not going to rehash why that is and where you should look to find legitimate information; you can read <span style="color: #990000;"><a href="http://bostonwed-murakami.blogspot.com/2013/09/vaccination-laypersons-perspective_26.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>my more general vaccine post on all that</b></span></a></span> (and click <a href="http://www.skepticalraptor.com/skepticalraptorblog.php/gardasil-researcher-against-vaccine-myth-debunked/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;"><b>here</b></span></a> or check Snopes if you've heard the debunked myth about Gardasil's "creator" Dr. Diane Harper). But here's what I think you should consider: <b>Whether or not the vaccine has any real risk of side-effects, the decision <i>not</i> to get the vaccine <i>absolutely</i> has a risk of side-effects. If you visit your local hospital, you won't find a single person occupying a bed there because he or she got the vaccine. But you'll have only to take the elevator to the head and neck cancer clinic to find plenty of people there because they <i>didn't</i> get the vaccine. </b><br />
<br />
I hope for your own sake that you've never been (and will never be) close to a young family facing the loss of a mom or a dad. My husband (now an oncologist/researcher focusing on leukemia research at <b><a href="http://www.dana-farber.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #990000;">The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute</span></a></b>, a Harvard affiliate) says that these are hardest losses he sees (he doesn't do pediatric oncology... says he couldn't). Whereas other patients weigh the pros and cons of increasingly experimental treatments and often choose to forego treatments that have almost no chance of prolonging their lives more than a few extra weeks, while also carrying brutal side-effects, parents of young children will put themselves through almost anything for even one more day before they have to say a permanent goodbye to their children. Believe me when I tell you - if there was <i>anything</i> you could do to prevent your child and his or her future family from facing this... you would do it in a <i>heartbeat</i>. And there is. It won't protect against all types of cancer, obviously. But the HPV vaccine will protect against various cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal, rectal, and oropharyngeal cancers. My kids will both be getting it as soon as they're eligible - in spite of the fairly chaste lifestyles my husband and I lived and hope they will also live. I hope <i>so strongly</i> that your children will get the vaccine too.<br />
<br />ElleMurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585481665526225076noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762736094770946238.post-91553611029750971722016-10-19T17:12:00.003-07:002016-10-20T14:24:16.011-07:00I'm here. We're here. And it's gonna fly by...For *all* the hours of my life...<br />
<br />
- all the hours bored in grade school.<br />
- all the blissful childhood summers.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OEyVTr_pZZY/WAgC4GSEJRI/AAAAAAAALNs/WpEGmQDQhgAr21OtH_k6aa3KHONw3cyIwCLcB/s1600/summer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OEyVTr_pZZY/WAgC4GSEJRI/AAAAAAAALNs/WpEGmQDQhgAr21OtH_k6aa3KHONw3cyIwCLcB/s400/summer.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Up North" Wisconsin - my favorite childhood memories.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
- all the countless evenings spent in my childhood home, hanging out, safe and happy.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UDHz_GslwkU/WAewwrHeFuI/AAAAAAAALMI/aYD_AigJCwoKnXNPkL_HzQiCMAhcROHVQCLcB/s1600/family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UDHz_GslwkU/WAewwrHeFuI/AAAAAAAALMI/aYD_AigJCwoKnXNPkL_HzQiCMAhcROHVQCLcB/s320/family.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Family. *So* lucky.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
- all the exams stressed over and all-nighters pulled.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mPvWprELXmg/WAew5i1N0QI/AAAAAAAALMM/PJXcVExfMVcZWCFnozJ5c-z4fUeLXYOVACLcB/s1600/8th%2Bgrade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mPvWprELXmg/WAew5i1N0QI/AAAAAAAALMM/PJXcVExfMVcZWCFnozJ5c-z4fUeLXYOVACLcB/s400/8th%2Bgrade.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8th grade - Prosecutor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
- the trips with dad to visit college campuses.<br />
- the wondering and dreaming about college.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xj8hq-WBKDQ/WAgD3tTbh3I/AAAAAAAALN0/tyejTPu5FY0O3MYrw-i95zvfKFX6la52ACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-10-19%2Bat%2B7.37.34%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="481" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Xj8hq-WBKDQ/WAgD3tTbh3I/AAAAAAAALN0/tyejTPu5FY0O3MYrw-i95zvfKFX6la52ACLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-10-19%2Bat%2B7.37.34%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If only I could dive into this picture and be there all over again...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
- college: the campus, the classes, the professors, the friends, the boyfriend, the <i>magic</i>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bUY283ZutZM/WAe303KetMI/AAAAAAAALMc/deBLul6hvts5mSLAv241anJmeeBgE0MLACLcB/s1600/Olaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bUY283ZutZM/WAe303KetMI/AAAAAAAALMc/deBLul6hvts5mSLAv241anJmeeBgE0MLACLcB/s400/Olaf.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">- Freshman year, Ellingson Hall. Best EVER.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
- the "big trip" to study abroad for a year and prove my independence.<br />
- the post-college year living with friends and planning a wedding.<br />
- the wedding!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BBpMh3_nCHw/WAe5lu72CGI/AAAAAAAALMs/YmOJMOWfObg_9Y5_jifqdsmB-pWN6K7PwCLcB/s1600/wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BBpMh3_nCHw/WAe5lu72CGI/AAAAAAAALMs/YmOJMOWfObg_9Y5_jifqdsmB-pWN6K7PwCLcB/s640/wedding.jpg" width="424" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The one thing from St. Olaf I took with me forevermore...<br />
Five years of dating and neither of us had a clue the ways in which we'd later be tested.<br />
I'm thankful for every bit of our foundation. We needed all of it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
- law school: stress, excitement, boredom, and a lot of cafe-studying. The thrill of being one of the top 4 finalists in Honors Moot Court and going to regionals.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xBFSuSF2Gcw/WAe38NUyHdI/AAAAAAAALMg/m7jdp8_xufkkEeihooqYYZqv_3HmEVBjgCLcB/s1600/moot%2Bcourt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xBFSuSF2Gcw/WAe38NUyHdI/AAAAAAAALMg/m7jdp8_xufkkEeihooqYYZqv_3HmEVBjgCLcB/s400/moot%2Bcourt.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All women our year!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
- the lawyer years: stress, excitement, boredom, and wanting to be a mom. A few big victories (a settlement and a suprising win on a federal court motion) I'll never forget. Shock at some of the depravity in the non-academic world.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6PlxWZHi_p8/WAk13zocRkI/AAAAAAAALPI/QNji4WrVmaoWD4C0agBTZudoJkAl03HNQCLcB/s1600/Lawyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6PlxWZHi_p8/WAk13zocRkI/AAAAAAAALPI/QNji4WrVmaoWD4C0agBTZudoJkAl03HNQCLcB/s400/Lawyer.jpg" width="283" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
- the big move to Boston...<br />
- finally pregnant...<br />
- finally a baby...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--aGZaZI7Nww/WAe5N1oIXjI/AAAAAAAALMo/KpFUcYRmX1gfDaSnhN5n5HGOgFv7PyXBACLcB/s1600/baby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--aGZaZI7Nww/WAe5N1oIXjI/AAAAAAAALMo/KpFUcYRmX1gfDaSnhN5n5HGOgFv7PyXBACLcB/s400/baby.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
- the baby days... the stroller walks to cafes and parks, messy feedings, cherished nap times.<br />
- the "difficult phase" ... wondering if my son would ever be well-behaved.<br />
-<a href="http://bostonwed-murakami.blogspot.com/2012/08/its-girl-claire-annelise.html"> <span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>the baby girl.</b></span></a><br />
- the relief, amazement, and euphoria: They get along!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hgIr5WeNpY8/WAe6C9kVL5I/AAAAAAAALMw/fUPCskl2STAfIiZuE9_FfcCubKhJR5XVwCLcB/s1600/stroller.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hgIr5WeNpY8/WAe6C9kVL5I/AAAAAAAALMw/fUPCskl2STAfIiZuE9_FfcCubKhJR5XVwCLcB/s640/stroller.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
- more relief, amazement, and euphoria: He's a total sweetheart! <br />
- "in just two more years, she'll be the age he is now, and it'll be a little easier..."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QaYfdKYhhxg/WAe7CWvBLUI/AAAAAAAALM4/_e8AEu-TA4UxmJWZqNRYONnwWapQXUS9gCLcB/s1600/blueberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QaYfdKYhhxg/WAe7CWvBLUI/AAAAAAAALM4/_e8AEu-TA4UxmJWZqNRYONnwWapQXUS9gCLcB/s320/blueberries.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d5gLBIv9ynA/WAe7TV8kHWI/AAAAAAAALM8/CRh4OkHBXMEQq0d2NKG-Zz7bzRi3BAslACLcB/s1600/kids.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d5gLBIv9ynA/WAe7TV8kHWI/AAAAAAAALM8/CRh4OkHBXMEQq0d2NKG-Zz7bzRi3BAslACLcB/s320/kids.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
- "someday we'll have a nicer place..."<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JXTIQjNF5v4/WAgCXFIGXoI/AAAAAAAALNo/c4Pg8qFtmakxzzURQlbV90SW4YJyjSfrACLcB/s1600/kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JXTIQjNF5v4/WAgCXFIGXoI/AAAAAAAALNo/c4Pg8qFtmakxzzURQlbV90SW4YJyjSfrACLcB/s640/kitchen.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QKDDfz6PKj0/WAgCXKGRgYI/AAAAAAAALNk/8gUfuF5lJH49ViR2X_v791QVT4nrVXBawCLcB/s1600/kitchen1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QKDDfz6PKj0/WAgCXKGRgYI/AAAAAAAALNk/8gUfuF5lJH49ViR2X_v791QVT4nrVXBawCLcB/s640/kitchen1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I feel like my entire life has been building up to where I am right now, because <i>this</i> was my dream. Not the grandest dream, but definitely what I wanted out of life. What I <i>most</i> wanted was to be happily married and raising kids - not babies even, but the <i>kid</i> stage. I wanted to repeat my own childhood; I wanted to give my children what I'd been given and to relive childhood with them. And I wanted this more than I wanted to live in France for a year and become fluent... more than I wanted to go to law school... more than I would have wanted to win the lottery - for real! And the crazy, cool, terrifying, and exhilarating thing is that I'm here. This is it! I can look into the face of my daughter, <i>that is </i>what her face looks like, it's <i>her</i>! I can marvel at how sweet my son is, blown away every day that a spirit <i>so good</i> was somehow created by our bodies. I can actually <a href="http://bostonwed-murakami.blogspot.com/2016/10/best-ever-fall-or-holiday-cookies-spicy.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>decorate cookies</b></span></a> with them and it's not a disaster, and <a href="http://bostonwed-murakami.blogspot.com/2016/09/my-top-5-must-have-books-for-young.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>read books with them that I enjoy</b></span></a>, and answer interesting questions about life. I get a break when they're at school and then I enjoy them all the more when they come back to me (for the first five minutes, especially... haha). This is it! I'm here!!!<br />
<br />
But the here is bittersweet. It took long enough to get to this pinnacle of life that the enjoyment is tinged with the knowledge that<br />
<br />
- there are only a few years of this bliss before they're teenagers... I enjoyed my teenage years with my family too, but those little old ladies at the grocery store are right, the kid days go by <i>so fast</i>. And then they're <i>gone</i>. Just a few more years... after <i>all</i> those other years. A lifetime of waiting... a blink... gone. <br />
- real struggles await my children.<br />
- heartaches and pain await them.<br />
- tragedy may well await them. This thought is ever-present when one's spouse is an oncologist.<br />
- my health will fade.<br />
- my parents will pass on.<br />
- and when those things happen, this "pinnacle" of life will seem like the blink of an eye ... the big goal is just a blip. The best of the best is transient and fragile. <br />
<br />
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-3886763369736455798" itemprop="description articleBody" style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 700px;">
<div style="clear: both;">
</div>
</div>
It is with this knowledge that I'm making extra efforts this fall to enjoy. To do <i>all</i> the fall stuff with my kids. To go through our books and make sure we're not forgetting any great ones. To catch up on our stack of <a href="http://fave.co/1T8bmfm" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Kiwi Crates</b></span></a>. To keep my house clean so that I can maximize my enjoyment of living. To go to bed on time so that I can live this particular blip of life with eyes wide open and memories fully processed to store and cherish forever. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yofD9RHpEVs/WAgIWtU8obI/AAAAAAAALOM/l9ZmaB57L9Ari6Klound5ylwBRCdWH9_ACLcB/s1600/family2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="416" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yofD9RHpEVs/WAgIWtU8obI/AAAAAAAALOM/l9ZmaB57L9Ari6Klound5ylwBRCdWH9_ACLcB/s640/family2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's "now" as I type... but someday it'll just be "way back when."<br />
<br />
<div style="font-size: medium; text-align: start;">
<span style="color: #999999;">________________________________</span></div>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-3886763369736455798" itemprop="description articleBody" style="font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; text-align: start; width: 700px;">
<em style="border: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #999999;">Married to Medicine Blog </span></em><em style="border: 0px; color: #999999; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program d</em><em style="border: 0px; color: #999999; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">esigned to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to amazon.com where products carried on Amazon are mentioned. </em></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
ElleMurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585481665526225076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762736094770946238.post-7970020483118604142016-10-10T18:52:00.004-07:002016-10-25T15:15:40.973-07:00Best EVER Fall or Holiday Cookies! Spicy Cream Cheese Cut-Outs!!!Oh. My. GOSH YOU GUYS!!!!! I haven't been this excited about a recipe in a long time!! Sorry to boast but I legit SOLVED the ever-frustrating conundrum of sugar cookie cutouts being SO cute and SO fun for kids to decorate, but just not <i>that</i> amazing to eat.<br />
<br />
Longtime readers may be familiar with <a href="http://bostonwed-murakami.blogspot.com/2012/02/sugar-cookie-cut-outs-with-cream-cheese.html"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>this recipe</b></span></a> - my favorite cut-out recipe that yields soft cookies and a little something extra in the cream cheese frosting. Well, this weekend my I spiced it up - literally - and the result was divine. The autumn spices were the perfect thing to cut the sweetness and they, along with the cream cheese icing, made for cut-out cookies that broke the "yummy" ceiling and finally achieved "addictive" status.<br />
<br />
Without further ado...<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif;">
<span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: x-large;">Spicy Cream Cheese Cut-Outs</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><i>For the cookies...</i></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;">1.5 cups powdered sugar</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;">2 sticks butter, minus 1 tbsp</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;">1 tsp vanilla</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;">1 tsp cinnamon</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;">1/2 tsp ginger</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;">1/2 tsp cloves</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;">1/4 tsp nutmeg</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;">1 large egg</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;">2 1/2 cups flour</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;">1 tsp baking soda</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;">1 tsp cream of tartar </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;"><i>For the icing...</i></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;">1 stick butter, room temp</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;">1 package cream cheese, room temp</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;">3 3/4 cup powdered sugar (sometimes I do less)</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;">1 tsp vanilla</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;">2 tsp cinnamon</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;">1 tsp ginger</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<span style="color: #b45f06;">1 tsp cloves</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
Add ingredients in the order listed from the first list above; that's the dough - you can consider making a half batch or a 3/4 batch if you aren't feeding a crowd. Split the dough half and wrap each half in plastic wrap; refrigerate for 1-2 hours. <span style="font-size: 13.2px;">Working with one half at a time, roll the dough out on a lightly floured surface, using a lightly floured rolling pin, and sprinkling more flour on top of the dough (spread it around with your hand) as needed. When the dough is slightly flattened but still a couple inches thick, pick it up, reflour the surface underneath (spread with hand), and flip it over, then sprinkle a little more flour on top and continue rolling. This will ensure the dough is easy to work with and doesn't stick to the table. You can also dip the cutters in flour if you need to.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<span style="font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<span style="color: #222222;">Once the dough is about 1/4 inch thick, cut with cookie cutters. Place the dough shapes a couple of inches apart on a pan that is either buttered/greased or that has an </span><span style="color: #a64d79;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2dF4UB3" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Artisan Nonstick Silicone Baking Mat</b></span></a> </span><span style="color: #222222;">- these mats are the best money you will ever spend if you bake cookies; they give cookies a professional, uniform texture and are nonstick to the <i>extreme</i> - you can literally lift cookies off with your bare hands once they're cool, even cut-out cookies!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<span style="color: #222222;">Bake at 375 for 6 minutes. They won't look done but you do NOT want them to if you like soft, moist cookies. Allow them to cool slightly (they'll firm up) before removing them to another surface to await icing. </span><span style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;">Make the icing by mixing the ingredients above - do not ice until the cookies are fully back to room temp. These will be great right away but <i>even better</i> the next day; moisture from the icing will seep down, further softening the cookies, and the icing will harden on top making them easier to transport. Apply sprinkles immediately after icing so that they will stick.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 13.2px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<i><span style="color: #222222;">Tip: My kids at 4 and 6 LOVE to decorate these - my 4 year old excitedly exclaimed that it was her "favorite thing she had ever done." To minimize the mess, try (1) giving them a large pan (with edges) to decorate in and/or (2) giving them each a<b> </b></span><a href="http://amzn.to/2eltR5A" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>mini muffin pan</b></span></a><span style="color: #222222;"> with different sprinkles in each cup so that they don't have access to the big jug and they can pinch some sprinkles with their fingers.</span></i><br />
<i><span style="color: #222222;"><br /></span></i>
<span style="color: #222222;">Enjoy!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IxqIiolAuDA/V_xBUlx7NWI/AAAAAAAALEY/gTUWijXSPn4FAdc94yqpJrHHJA_OXg3fgCLcB/s1600/IMG_1025.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IxqIiolAuDA/V_xBUlx7NWI/AAAAAAAALEY/gTUWijXSPn4FAdc94yqpJrHHJA_OXg3fgCLcB/s640/IMG_1025.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<i><span style="color: #999999;">____________________________</span></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;">
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-3886763369736455798" itemprop="description articleBody" style="font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 700px;">
<div>
<span style="color: #999999;"><em style="border: 0px; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Married to Medicine Blog </em><em style="border: 0px; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program d</em></span><em style="border: 0px; color: #999999; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">esigned to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to amazon.com where products carried on Amazon are mentioned. </em></div>
<div style="clear: both; color: #222222;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="post-footer" style="background-color: #f9f9f9; border-bottom: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); color: #666666; font-size: 10.8px; line-height: 1.6; margin: 20px -2px 0px; padding: 5px 10px;">
</div>
</div>
ElleMurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585481665526225076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762736094770946238.post-38867633697364557982016-09-24T19:51:00.000-07:002016-12-03T11:16:29.469-08:00My Top 5 Must-Have Books for Young ChildrenDisclaimer: I'm just a lowly product connoisseur; I'm not a teacher or a librarian. But I do happen to have a lovely, high-functioning case of O.C.D. If you've been following this blog, you know I once spent over 3 hours obsessing over hundreds of reviews before settling on a new measuring cup set (<a href="http://amzn.to/2duHAE4" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>this was it</b></span></a>, if you're curious). If you'd like to piggyback on that kind of research without having to reinvent the wheel, and your kids are somewhere around the ages of 3-7, this list is for you. <i>(Also - see my affiliate disclaimer at the bottom of the post - some, but not all, of these links are affiliate).</i><br />
<br />
ADDITIONALLY - one thing we've been doing that my kids love is "The Book Fairy." She occasionally leaves new books in silly places, especially if the kids have been good! Highly recommend!! It's fun and it's a great way to reinforce kids seeing books as special treats (rather than just toys or candy!!)<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(1) <a href="http://amzn.to/2ciCUS2" target="_blank"><b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Have You Filled A Bucket Today?</span></b></a></div>
<div>
Hands down, this is my #1 favorite book for young children. I actually consider it to be the single most important book my kids have yet read. It is a simple yet spot-on analogy that teaches kids about kindness, happiness, empathy, and community. Young children are concrete thinkers so giving them a visual (the bucket) is a highly effective way to show them how their words and actions impact other people. It's also an excellent tool to help them process how others' actions have impacted them - good and bad. As early as preschool I found myself using the bucket analogy when kids weren't always nice - the book calls that "bucket dipping" and talks about how you can never fill your own bucket by bucket dipping; rather, you fill your own bucket by filling other peoples'<i> </i>buckets. Seriously - amazing!! You can grab a copy on Amazon by clicking <a href="http://amzn.to/2ciCUS2" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>here</b></span></a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-llwHui7pmCo/V9TTuLwNp2I/AAAAAAAAKRw/xUtPmG6GM5YMuDtxomE0i0GCDYsdjHfuwCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-10%2Bat%2B11.46.05%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-llwHui7pmCo/V9TTuLwNp2I/AAAAAAAAKRw/xUtPmG6GM5YMuDtxomE0i0GCDYsdjHfuwCLcB/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-10%2Bat%2B11.46.05%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grab a copy - and check out the outstanding reviews - on Amazon, click <a href="http://amzn.to/2dfM30R" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>here</b></span></a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(2) <a href="http://amzn.to/2crNhAy" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Rosie Revere, Engineer</b></span></a> (and Iggy Peck, and Ada Twist)</div>
<div>
This trio of books is a must, must, **must** have. Each is a rollicking, action-packed tale of empowerment featuring a child inclined toward a STEM type of calling (engineering, architecture, and science). <span style="color: #a64d79;"><b><a href="http://amzn.to/2crNhAy" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Rosie Revere, Engineer</span></a> </b></span>is our favorite of the three - it's even my son's favorite, which says a lot since he avoids all things related to girls (*sigh*). In it, young Rosie learns to overcome her fear (and embarrassment) of failure when her fabulously eccentric aunt arrives and teaches her that failure is great because it's the first step toward success. The phrase "The only true failure can come if you quit!" is now a permanent part of my kids' worlds. <a href="http://amzn.to/2cTAnS7" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Iggy Peck</b></span></a> and <a href="http://amzn.to/2cy9mC7" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Ada Twist</b></span></a> are similar books; heavier on the fun, lighter on the lessons. I love that this trio of STEM stories features two girls, one boy, and a child of color (Ada).</div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CMsHYiIRuys/V-W3vikrMxI/AAAAAAAAKm8/GL7DQIFAs7guWzFtXKjJ_SR1JZz3mljfgCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-23%2Bat%2B7.14.51%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CMsHYiIRuys/V-W3vikrMxI/AAAAAAAAKm8/GL7DQIFAs7guWzFtXKjJ_SR1JZz3mljfgCLcB/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-23%2Bat%2B7.14.51%2BPM.png" width="264" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can grab a copy on Amazon <a href="http://amzn.to/2crNhAy" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>here</b></span></a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
(3) <a href="http://www.jessgrantbooks.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>The Snow Queen</b></span></a> (Barefoot Books)<br />
If you **at all** like fairytales, Barefoot Books' "The Snow Queen" is the <i>ultimate</i>. It's a hauntingly beautiful recounting of the 19th century Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale that inspired such classics as "The Lion, The Witch, And The Wardrobe" and Disney's Frozen. The illustrations are downright enchanting - I'll post a few below. Surprisingly for such an old fairytale, this story involves a girl saving a boy. When reading through the story with my kids, I like asking them about what the heroine's actions show us about her character. She is courageous, loyal, open-minded, humble, and idealistic. Final bonus - The book comes with an audio CD that even my husband enjoys in the car - a great and fun way to build vocabulary on the go! This book can only be ordered through Barefoot Books - click <a href="http://www.jessgrantbooks.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>here</b></span></a> to get there!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MJlTDWa74KU/VzUAVzNsY6I/AAAAAAAAJjk/t69hxFmNzfojOx7lAVah3KOrlqEX2tPSQCKgB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-05-12%2Bat%2B6.14.00%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MJlTDWa74KU/VzUAVzNsY6I/AAAAAAAAJjk/t69hxFmNzfojOx7lAVah3KOrlqEX2tPSQCKgB/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-05-12%2Bat%2B6.14.00%2BPM.png" width="321" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zGNWqj6nz6M/VzUAVpd__AI/AAAAAAAAJjk/H2bOAXrmV9cOP9GCLUwd5-eOw87k7YQSgCKgB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-05-12%2Bat%2B6.14.20%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zGNWqj6nz6M/VzUAVpd__AI/AAAAAAAAJjk/H2bOAXrmV9cOP9GCLUwd5-eOw87k7YQSgCKgB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-05-12%2Bat%2B6.14.20%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Breathtaking. Enchanting. Hauntingly beautiful. The entire book. Sold only at Barefoot Books - click <a href="http://www.jessgrantbooks.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>here</b></span></a>.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
(4) <a href="https://h4014.myubam.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>"Secrets of The Apple Tree"</b></span></a> (Usborne Books)<br />
Hello autumn magic! I hide this book all year until our apple picking day and my kids greet it with squeals of delight. It follows a seemingly-simple apple tree through its growth and seasonal changes. But kids learn to look beyond the surface when shining a flashlight behind each page reveals hidden images that teach us more about the inner workings of the tree and the nature around it. A perfect way to introduce a little science (and like I said, magic!) to your orchard traditions. This book can only be ordered through Usborne Books - click <a href="https://h4014.myubam.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>here</b></span></a> to grab it! It makes a fabulous gift, too, especially if you add a cute flashlight!! Check out the Melissa & Doug "Buggy" flashlight by clicking <span style="color: #a64d79;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2d0iwVE" style="color: #a64d79; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">here</a> </span>- it's perfect!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BUY6xDhfxOw/V-c7XTkuFsI/AAAAAAAAKow/HCXZ2f-U7gIZf8YYHNsRqRIS_Red_5niACLcB/s1600/Apple%2BTree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BUY6xDhfxOw/V-c7XTkuFsI/AAAAAAAAKow/HCXZ2f-U7gIZf8YYHNsRqRIS_Red_5niACLcB/s400/Apple%2BTree.jpg" width="396" /></a></div>
<br />
<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bny5hejTc0o/VzT_ZfTf2aI/AAAAAAAAJjE/4-9ZFFeekdErpIeTxCK2WeWTI-_D871GwCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-05-12%2Bat%2B6.10.21%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="329" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bny5hejTc0o/VzT_ZfTf2aI/AAAAAAAAJjE/4-9ZFFeekdErpIeTxCK2WeWTI-_D871GwCLcB/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-05-12%2Bat%2B6.10.21%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=950XWoRU0pY" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Photo Credit - and awesome youtube video!</b></span></a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
(5) <a href="http://amzn.to/2dhpg4Y" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Snowmen At Christmas</b></span></a> (and Snowmen At Night)<br />
It's so hard to limit a list of amazing children's books to just five, but these really are the five that are <i>most</i> magical for us. <a href="http://amzn.to/2dhpg4Y" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Snowmen at Christmas</b></span></a> (or, if you don't celebrate Christmas, check out <a href="http://amzn.to/2dqnsCU" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Snowmen at Night</b></span></a>) is once again a book where the storyline is simple but perfect. Top that with truly dreamy, captivating illustrations and this book really whisks you away to a sweet, cozy Christmassy world. I want to read it every year at least once ... even after my kids are grown! You can grab a copy on Amazon by clicking <span style="color: #a64d79;"><b><u>here</u></b></span>.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwmsOGumusw/V-XjU9O5GGI/AAAAAAAAKn8/tJnA1DD5v7Y9fQRWyan0qMSsHC1WsddggCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-23%2Bat%2B10.20.20%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RwmsOGumusw/V-XjU9O5GGI/AAAAAAAAKn8/tJnA1DD5v7Y9fQRWyan0qMSsHC1WsddggCLcB/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-23%2Bat%2B10.20.20%2BPM.png" width="308" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Click <span style="color: #a64d79;"><b><u>here</u></b></span> to grab it on Amazon.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Irpb1cJLI30/V-XjUjIj8II/AAAAAAAAKn4/q-PStqjpSHsH1G5L2g8Glt4JGHJEdSbDwCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-23%2Bat%2B10.21.17%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Irpb1cJLI30/V-XjUjIj8II/AAAAAAAAKn4/q-PStqjpSHsH1G5L2g8Glt4JGHJEdSbDwCLcB/s400/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-09-23%2Bat%2B10.21.17%2BPM.png" width="295" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So there you have it! My top 5 must-have children's books for ages 3-7. If you have any other suggestions, I'd love to hear about them! And if you want more product recs and coupon codes to get them on the cheap, join my Facebook group "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/clairesclosetdeals/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Claire's Closet Finds</b></span></a>"!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">________________________</span><br />
<em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></em>
<em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Married to Medicine Blog has no financial affiliation with Usborne Books or Barefoot Books. </em><em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #999999; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Married to Medicine Blog is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to amazon.com where products carried on Amazon are mentioned. </em></div>
ElleMurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585481665526225076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762736094770946238.post-41332373347741101582016-06-18T05:19:00.000-07:002018-07-17T09:53:47.548-07:00Top Ten Space-Savers (for Tiny living with Tots!)If you're in a situation like we were (family of four in a 2-bedroom apartment) or if you'll soon be headed that way with your residency move ... OR if you just like to save space and keep things neat and tidy ... this has been rolling around in my mind for some time now. I'm finally putting it all down on paper, so here you go - My top ten space-savers:<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(1) <a href="http://amzn.to/1ru34WG" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Better Than Boullion</b></span></a>.</div>
<div>
This may seem like an odd one to lead off with but it's seriously the best product ever. EVERYBODY should be using these; NOBODY should be hauling and storing cans of broth. They not only save a TON of cabinet space (and hauling effort; each small jar makes 38 cups or 14 cans of broth) but they taste BETTER and you can make it a stronger dilution (add like 1.5 tsp per cup of water instead of 1) which almost always enhances the flavor of whatever I'm using it for. Once you get into it it'll become easier and easier. I don't even bother diluting anymore; I just add however many tsps I need and however much water right to the recipe. And keep in mind that 3 tsp = 1 tbsp. That'll make it even faster. You HAVE GOT to get on this. Find them in the broth section of your local grocery store.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b4wsk_32pMY/V2S-ekKZRPI/AAAAAAAAJnc/ofcTo1LmWvcTgsT-5FwefwKyBeBeTm_AgCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-17%2Bat%2B11.21.31%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-b4wsk_32pMY/V2S-ekKZRPI/AAAAAAAAJnc/ofcTo1LmWvcTgsT-5FwefwKyBeBeTm_AgCLcB/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-17%2Bat%2B11.21.31%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(<a href="http://www.shockinglydelicious.com/a-few-of-my-favorite-things-february-2013/" target="_blank">photo credit</a>)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(2) The<span style="color: #a64d79;"> <span style="color: #a64d79;"><b><a href="https://amzn.to/2L5QVWM" target="_blank">Zinus 14" Modern Studio Platform Bed Frame</a></b></span>.</span></div>
<div>
We actually only just discovered <span style="color: #a64d79;"><b><a href="https://amzn.to/2L5QVWM" target="_blank">these bed frames</a></b></span> two weeks ago but I'm obsessed. These are easy to assemble (they come with all the tools you need), they work great, they eliminate the need for a box spring, and they leave a TON of room underneath for storage. AND they're cheap! These are an awesome solution for city living OR if you have a lot of stuff you want to store in the bedroom itself rather than in a basement or attic.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ib4H8KpVXuk/V2S-pFusWLI/AAAAAAAAJnk/HoOh7LFYl3MfMUsBA0szgvDjZYMSKEeXQCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-17%2Bat%2B10.35.17%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ib4H8KpVXuk/V2S-pFusWLI/AAAAAAAAJnk/HoOh7LFYl3MfMUsBA0szgvDjZYMSKEeXQCLcB/s200/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-17%2Bat%2B10.35.17%2BPM.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qcM10_WDkic/V2S-pSKpc8I/AAAAAAAAJno/e-YLF3OK_xUfDvhnJmgHbf2glopHmiFqACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-17%2Bat%2B10.35.23%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qcM10_WDkic/V2S-pSKpc8I/AAAAAAAAJno/e-YLF3OK_xUfDvhnJmgHbf2glopHmiFqACLcB/s200/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-17%2Bat%2B10.35.23%2BPM.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fourteen inches of storage!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(3) <a href="http://amzn.to/1QcBNUn" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>On-The-Chair High Chairs</b></span></a></div>
<div>
If you're in the high chair stage and you're short on space, do not get a freestanding high chair. Get <a href="http://amzn.to/1W5ocPF" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>one of these</b></span></a> - they work awesome and they sit on a chair you already have. Bonus: SUPER cheap. You can get a 4-star one for $20 or less, or go for the 4.5-5 stars at $20-50.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aCL-noEbMC4/V2S-5BclB8I/AAAAAAAAJn0/8_EfHC6gTC08SZJZK_HaZRoWCMus9RNUACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-17%2Bat%2B10.49.29%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aCL-noEbMC4/V2S-5BclB8I/AAAAAAAAJn0/8_EfHC6gTC08SZJZK_HaZRoWCMus9RNUACLcB/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-17%2Bat%2B10.49.29%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(4) <a href="http://amzn.to/1UgNr2b" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Fisher-Price Cradle Swings</b></span></a></div>
<div>
One thing we didn't have space for in our old apartment was a glider. We didn't need one for either child, thanks to <a href="http://amzn.to/1OvGyIf" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>this</b></span></a>. It did the rocking for me, right next to my bed - and was a complete magic bullet for my firstborn, I literally was never once up at night with him after a feeding. As for the feedings themselves, I just used a <b><u><a href="http://amzn.to/2ApZKCb" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">My Breast Friend</span></a></u></b> on the couch or another chair. Saved so much space and so much money this way. And got lots more sleep too!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-shyWUtVPyBg/V2S_M3sP9pI/AAAAAAAAJoA/MElV0f4AYkkWXGoS0pd7LJqLAdOWTPD_ACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-17%2Bat%2B11.25.11%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-shyWUtVPyBg/V2S_M3sP9pI/AAAAAAAAJoA/MElV0f4AYkkWXGoS0pd7LJqLAdOWTPD_ACLcB/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-17%2Bat%2B11.25.11%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had <a href="http://amzn.to/1Yy4JHW" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>the "Starlight" one</b></span></a>. LOVED IT.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(5) <span style="color: #a64d79;"><b><a href="http://amzn.to/1ru4gsX" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Mac Mini</span></a> </b></span>+ <a href="http://amzn.to/21rEhPg" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Dell Monitor</b></span></a></div>
<div>
If you're an Apple devotee but you can't swing the price tag, my husband came up with the awesome solution of getting a "<a href="http://amzn.to/23i3tt1" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Mac Mini</b></span></a>" (the computer without the screen - it's tiny) and using a <a href="http://amzn.to/1UoKuK0" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Dell Monitor</b></span></a>. LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Not only did we save hundreds and get me an awesome monitor, but when my mac needs to be serviced all I have to haul to the Apple store is the tiny Mac Mini. It fits in my purse. If you go this route, be sure to double check that you've selected a monitor and a mini that are compatible with each other! And then presto, you're good to go. BONUS: You can reuse the monitor when you need to replace your Mini. This is WAY green, since monitors are one of the worst things for the environment, and saves you the cost of a new monitor AND the cost of recycling your old one, which is $20 where I live.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pRWnrwiPpXY/V2TAfS0NfkI/AAAAAAAAJoY/4hB-LyzQWyElPnEKQTJXj_-ja0Qvfe6UgCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-17%2Bat%2B11.30.41%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pRWnrwiPpXY/V2TAfS0NfkI/AAAAAAAAJoY/4hB-LyzQWyElPnEKQTJXj_-ja0Qvfe6UgCLcB/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-17%2Bat%2B11.30.41%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--jUmT57hkTs/V2TAdGhOF4I/AAAAAAAAJoQ/kuBeuUKnx-4PgUclIXX8rahMugfu4HNTACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-17%2Bat%2B11.30.09%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="145" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--jUmT57hkTs/V2TAdGhOF4I/AAAAAAAAJoQ/kuBeuUKnx-4PgUclIXX8rahMugfu4HNTACLcB/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-17%2Bat%2B11.30.09%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(6)<span style="color: #a64d79;"> <span style="color: #a64d79;"><b><a href="http://amzn.to/2w60Ald" target="_blank">Laundry Sorter Cart With Hanging Bar</a></b></span>.</span></div>
<div>
We could NOT have made it through our years in the 2-bedroom without <span style="color: #a64d79;"><b><a href="http://amzn.to/2w60Ald" target="_blank">this thing</a></b></span>. Not only does it keep all your dirty laundry sorted by color (white, bright, dark) and ready to be thrown in the wash, but the pole extends up so you can hang tons of stuff on it. Yes, it's an eyesore. But it's in your bedroom (or your kids' room) so nobody sees it... and it's really the only solution if you have a tiny closet.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hwLWZzIMSCU/V2TAuMzGmmI/AAAAAAAAJog/VpRreYd0WNUGC_gfKJl_qSKOzQ-I_H3ogCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-17%2Bat%2B10.53.01%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hwLWZzIMSCU/V2TAuMzGmmI/AAAAAAAAJog/VpRreYd0WNUGC_gfKJl_qSKOzQ-I_H3ogCLcB/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-17%2Bat%2B10.53.01%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(7) The "<a href="http://amzn.to/21rCedZ" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Closet Doubler</b></span></a>."</div>
<div>
<b><span style="color: #a64d79;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1W5opSX" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">This</span></a> </span></b>is another thing I couldn't live without, even now that we have lots more closet space. I use it in my kids' closet to keep their stuff separate but it would work great in an adult closet too. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G1QC9YnBehM/V2TA22a-CjI/AAAAAAAAJoo/xo1su_sMJe8sTXiboc3Em15BlQzv1lGXwCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-17%2Bat%2B10.43.40%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-G1QC9YnBehM/V2TA22a-CjI/AAAAAAAAJoo/xo1su_sMJe8sTXiboc3Em15BlQzv1lGXwCLcB/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-17%2Bat%2B10.43.40%2BPM.png" width="278" /></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8978O9YkHrE/V2TBPRf1mpI/AAAAAAAAJo0/QwmiFt69wtQ9WRUjkLHKqjXzapcGY4mkgCLcB/s1600/closet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8978O9YkHrE/V2TBPRf1mpI/AAAAAAAAJo0/QwmiFt69wtQ9WRUjkLHKqjXzapcGY4mkgCLcB/s320/closet.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(8) <a href="http://amzn.to/1ru3WdJ" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>These Kids' Hangers</b></span></a>.</div>
<div>
Pretty much my favorite thing ever! <a href="http://amzn.to/1W5pVo5" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>These hangers</b></span></a> keep each outfit together and neat, instead of crammed in a drawer somewhere with the top nowhere near its proper bottom. They'll also save you a <i>ton</i> of space over using separate hangers for each piece.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="249" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tg21mFZPCK8/V2TBWmLdvsI/AAAAAAAAJo8/6zpqI7z-k0UvYHiIB7yYWd5BpNYI9VxjQCLcB/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-17%2Bat%2B10.46.20%2BPM.png" width="320" /><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C7H7p6ztMGw/V2TBcY4I_0I/AAAAAAAAJpI/vP3nEd7aa6EirZS5D6Q_1Mh1nzDKJiZHACLcB/s1600/hangers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-C7H7p6ztMGw/V2TBcY4I_0I/AAAAAAAAJpI/vP3nEd7aa6EirZS5D6Q_1Mh1nzDKJiZHACLcB/s320/hangers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(9) <a href="http://amzn.to/1ZXwRmC" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Best Ever Sound Machine</b></span></a>.</div>
<div>
If you're in a tiny space with kids (or even without!), chances are you've got noise issues. One kid needs to nap, the other needs to scream. If that's you, <a href="http://amzn.to/1OvGmIY" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>these</b></span></a> are the ultimate... and they have a real fan inside (fans reduce SIDS). They're pricey - utilizing the newest technology in sound waves - but more sleep??? PRICELESS.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OB_0zUq4EhM/V2TBkhhPSZI/AAAAAAAAJpQ/XF1Rpa93Hw8jd8LRmDLr-uv7NA9BstpGQCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-17%2Bat%2B10.55.06%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OB_0zUq4EhM/V2TBkhhPSZI/AAAAAAAAJpQ/XF1Rpa93Hw8jd8LRmDLr-uv7NA9BstpGQCLcB/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-17%2Bat%2B10.55.06%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(10) <a href="http://amzn.to/1ZXzvsi" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Tegu Blocks</b></span></a> and <a href="http://amzn.to/1UgOhfx" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Magnatiles</b></span></a>.</div>
<div>
No space for toys? Then don't bother with them; you probably don't have space to have other kids over either, and your (young) kids will be way more interested in your purse than their toys unless someone new is around to play. Instead, stick only to the rare unicorn exceptions to the toy rule: your kids <i>will</i> <i>play</i> with <a href="http://amzn.to/1UoLFsV" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Tegu Blocks</b></span></a> and <span style="color: #a64d79;"><b><a href="http://amzn.to/1sLunNf" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Magna-Tiles</span></a> </b></span>(and art supplies, and maybe trains when they're really small) even when other kids aren't around ... <i>and</i> they can be tossed in a bag for easy space-saving storage. Their prices reflect their value, unfortunately, but very rarely (about twice a year) Tegu Blocks go up to 40% off - and when they do, I post the sale in <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/clairesclosetdeals/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>my Facebook group</b></span></a> that you are welcome to join. Magna-Tiles I've heard are price controlled... I have never once seen a sale on them other than a minimal store-wide coupon. BUT I have <i>also</i> heard that one of the knockoff brands,"<a href="http://amzn.to/2nDNJ5n" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Playmags</b></span></a>," is as good <i>or better </i>than the original, definitely worth checking out. If you're wondering about <a href="http://amzn.to/1ZXFnBR" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Magformers</b></span></a>, those are great too... especially for the younger crowd since they're easier to grip. But they're not <i>quite</i> as cool as Tegu's or Magna-Tiles, once your child hits 3 years of age.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JvS0liu22hQ/V2TBqTMeUfI/AAAAAAAAJpY/3YuOQoJ1AJECI2jkByT_bTpSSLMSJENDACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-17%2Bat%2B11.01.20%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JvS0liu22hQ/V2TBqTMeUfI/AAAAAAAAJpY/3YuOQoJ1AJECI2jkByT_bTpSSLMSJENDACLcB/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-17%2Bat%2B11.01.20%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e77IBETc3lo/V2TB2mzdRXI/AAAAAAAAJpg/e7xmbBBStvwTh3YI0BzUxUygvzASQOhUgCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-17%2Bat%2B11.36.43%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="219" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-e77IBETc3lo/V2TB2mzdRXI/AAAAAAAAJpg/e7xmbBBStvwTh3YI0BzUxUygvzASQOhUgCLcB/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-17%2Bat%2B11.36.43%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you have to choose just one, get the Magna-Tiles. But really, you want both - Tegu Blocks are great once your kid hits about 4 years old; they're like a hybrid blocks/puzzle with the polarization of the magnets. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
(11) <a href="http://amzn.to/1UBqgxM" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>KidKraft Play Table with Storage</b></span></a>.</div>
<div>
I just have to squeak in one more. <a href="http://amzn.to/1UoMt0X" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>These</b></span></a> are hard to find... you have to kind of poke around periodically to find find them in stock and under $200. But when you think about the cost of buying both a wooden toy box and a wooden play table, and you consider the space saved, they're worth every penny even when they're up around $200. We <i>LOVE</i> ours. <br />
<br />
UPDATE 3/18/17: IN STOCK at Amazon and a GREAT price, click <a href="http://amzn.to/2mVT9c9" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>here</b></span></a>!!!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Y5AYLOaQuw/V2TB8euSnjI/AAAAAAAAJps/qsReQqdqIoQvJ8d7ijwKNG_5LLWwDwyigCLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-17%2Bat%2B11.16.13%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="192" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Y5AYLOaQuw/V2TB8euSnjI/AAAAAAAAJps/qsReQqdqIoQvJ8d7ijwKNG_5LLWwDwyigCLcB/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-06-17%2Bat%2B11.16.13%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So there you have it. My best-find products for smaller living. Did I miss anything? If so, let me know in a comment!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">________________________</span><br />
<em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Married to Medicine is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.</em></div>
ElleMurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585481665526225076noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762736094770946238.post-20483441294123472142016-06-16T07:21:00.000-07:002016-09-03T20:26:55.649-07:00Adult Life, Chapter Two... aka among medical circles "#ItGetsBetter""I feel like I just woke up from a really bad dream, and landed back in the life I had thought I was headed for ... and I'm not sure where the wrinkles, gray hair, or children came from."<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I really can't describe it any way other than what I said to Mark, above. It was especially striking as we unpacked (and repacked for storage) box after box of our college love letters and other memorabilia, as part of a recent move. It had been ever so long since we were the young, idealistic, head over heels couple we'd been in college... <i>so much</i> had transpired since then that it almost seemed we were looking back at the lives of two totally different people. Was Mark really the same man who had started a "first year of marriage" calendar and documented all our special memories and occasions? Were we really still the same people who had each made for the other a notebook of nine months of daily messages, memories, and "hopes for the future" to keep for daily connection while I was gone nine months in France? We are, of course... but we're also not. Even as we finally, at long last, have all the missing pieces and things <i>seem like </i>they will permanently be <i>good,</i> I don't know and seriously doubt that we'll ever again be writing each other letters bemoaning the "unnatural state of separation." In fact, Mark is in Denmark for the week as I'm writing this and there's no day-counting angst. Is that just age? Is it kids? Or did medical training <i>scar</i> our relationship? I suspect, unfortunately, *all* of the above... including the scarring. But I can't dwell on that because it's such a relief to just to have <i>good</i> - if there's one thing the medical life has taught me, it's that you <i>have to </i>cling to the good. When I was younger, naive, and a complete idealist I thought clinging to the good was "rationalization" - and it wasn't for me, because I wanted to take in life with my eyes wide open, feeling all of it equally; I would simply perfect any area of imperfection (of course!). Now that life has beaten me up a little bit, I know that for <i>most</i> adults clinging to the good is survival. Life is hard and messy - at <i>least</i> sometimes - and eventually it involves some sort of life-changing loss.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
By all of the pieces, we've had several **<i>long** </i>awaited changes this spring. First, Mark finished his Masters in Biomedical Informatics and defended his thesis. That degree was a major thorn in our sides ... it was insanely demanding <i>on top of</i> his regular fellowship responsibilities and I credit it with ending the 8 months of bliss we had after taking <a href="http://bostonwed-murakami.blogspot.com/2014/10/how-marriage-course-saved-my-marriage.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>The Marriage Course</b></span></a> three winters ago. It was one of those things (like the MGH residency itself) where we couldn't <i>not</i> do it when it became an option... but we still wouldn't recommend it. In our situation it was free, it was Harvard, and medical research is increasingly dependent on biomedical informatics - a subject very few doctors know much about, so one that is often outsourced from medical labs (resulting in inefficiency). This degree will dramatically impact Mark's career and in fact has already enabled him to co-create the first national mouse-model cancer database, a database that has already brought millions into his lab and one that will make cancer research significantly more efficient on a national level. So we couldn't not do it... but it sucked. It's another instance where I feel like this life <i>chose us</i>; we didn't choose it.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Second, our landlord kicked us out ... a temporary heart attack that ended in a <i>thank goodness</i>, because we REALLY needed more space, nicer space, and a shorter commute. We never would have left the insanely low rent we had at our old 2-bedroom. Even with the dysfunctional dishwasher, slow draining bath and sink, permanently filthy, ancient cabinetry, flickering kitchen lights, and water pressure so low I'd think our shower was broken every time I returned from a trip. The rent was just too good, and moving seemed far too daunting to even consider. So I can only <i>thank the Lord</i> that our landlord's family members wanted to move in. After a massive, exhausting scramble we ended up moving to a new town (15 minutes from our old town) and into a very, very different place. We now have four bedrooms, 2 full baths, a master suite, a glorious kitchen and more, all in brand new construction/renovation. I feel like it's okay for me to brag about this because we still live in a two-family ... it's still Boston, people! And because we really put our time in living modestly (I'm 36 years old...). But wow, it has significantly enhanced our lives and reduced our stress just to have our home be such a nice, well-lit, relaxing type of space (is there something to fengshui after all?). And part of it you could do for yourself even if you're not ready to make a big upgrade... no small part of the joy and relief came from having to go through ALL our stuff and get rid of everything we don't actually use. We have only a small area of a basement for storage here... and a lot of our furniture wasn't worth replacing before the move, since we knew we'd move eventually, but also wasn't worth the cost and effort of moving. I seriously think we got rid of at least 1/3 of what we owned; everything junky. And it feels fantastic to be fully pared down, I highly recommend doing it even if you're not moving. This is a digression but for real, try to just get rid of or sell ONE thing every week on trash day; I'd been doing that for years and not only was it awesome in and of itself but it really saved us for this move. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Third, we have time. Not only because the master's degree is over, but because Mark's commute is only 25 minutes instead of 50. It makes a HUGE difference... it's nearly an hour extra each day not wasted in travel ... <i>in addition</i> to no longer being constantly swamped! Mark is a fantastic partner when he's around (and not sleep deprived), and we've fallen into a routine where he comes home at 6:30 or 7, takes the kids to the park while I finish making dinner, we eat, and he does bedtime with the kids while I clean up dinner and toys. I literally didn't put my own kids to bed until the <i>sixth</i> night we were living here. I actually had to figure out where he'd been keeping the kids' shampoo!! Ah-mazing.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
So there you have it. Finally and at very long last. My husband is around and not sleep deprived. I hosted my mom and can host both of my parents comfortably in our place. My bedroom feels relaxing and inviting rather than just being a room with a king sized mattress crammed into the corner, impossible to make - I make the bed every single day now, just because I can. We have a play room; beautiful and well-lit. We live in a neighborhood with families walkable to awesome food and cafes; we love our neighbors below. I'm excited for Matthew to start Kindergarten at a public school, walking distance from us, that offers daily Spanish, and Claire will be in a Spanish immersion program MWF and at an adorable, classically East Coast preschool on T/Th (all half-days). I'm back to work about 4-6 hours/day doing something I love that's my own thing (if you're a blog reader and you haven't yet joined <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/clairesclosetdeals/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>my Facebook group "Closet Deals and Steals!"</b></span></a>, you should!! I post only the best prices on the best products!). Summer's here and we have plans to go to Madison, Michigan, Maine, and Cape Cod between both sides of the family. Matthew is the sweetest little man, loves his sister, loves snuggles, and has a heart of gold. Claire is a powerhouse and was invited to be (by far the youngest child at 3.5 years) on Beginner Pre-Team Bronze at Brestyan's Gymnastics, an olympic level gymnastics organization - the man who viewed her class and had his assistant invite her is Aly Raisman's coach! She was a little intimidated (there was a 7 year old on this "team"!!) so we'll try her again this fall. Mark, in addition to the mouse model database, has had a few other key honors has been to Europe twice this year; he seems relieved and happy to be where he now is. Seven years after we moved here and I cried myself to sleep ... and after many, many other nights of crying myself to sleep... I think we're going to be okay. I think we did it. I still can't say that "it" was worth doing, to be honest. This is a victory that feels at least a little hollow because of all the loss it required. Time is life. We lost life. And I can feel that loss at 36... I know I lost some of the best years, years that should have been amazing and happy are laden with bad memories and holidays spent alone, filling the time with whatever I could until the gym and the stores and the schools reopened ... and I will never get those years back. But again, this life chose me. And from a global perspective, I certainly can't complain. So here's to the present and the future. Here's to a normal life. Here's a goodbye to the 7 year groundhog day of all-me, all-the-time, me and my kids, no family, no support, every evening, and almost every single weekend day. Onward and upward, y'all. Cheers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7vUeU9BPcYg/V2Kzb_3NcnI/AAAAAAAAJms/altQ82bbOiU6RSa970cMNFmuqrBF8LkmgCLcB/s1600/IMG_0099.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7vUeU9BPcYg/V2Kzb_3NcnI/AAAAAAAAJms/altQ82bbOiU6RSa970cMNFmuqrBF8LkmgCLcB/s320/IMG_0099.JPG" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laundry on the main floor instead of two flights down.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2mk5YouKGbU/V2KzxWrSHWI/AAAAAAAAJm4/OJIPcIm-L4E_ybaf_BZrYGtMz6k9ceHNACLcB/s1600/Apartment%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2mk5YouKGbU/V2KzxWrSHWI/AAAAAAAAJm4/OJIPcIm-L4E_ybaf_BZrYGtMz6k9ceHNACLcB/s640/Apartment%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love love LOVE our kitchen. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cX0CL8rdIdE/V2Kz9pONE4I/AAAAAAAAJnE/6M1IecKYV_sF3cPCDPCPoeV4FC5d1uF9QCLcB/s1600/Apartment%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cX0CL8rdIdE/V2Kz9pONE4I/AAAAAAAAJnE/6M1IecKYV_sF3cPCDPCPoeV4FC5d1uF9QCLcB/s640/Apartment%2B1.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main floor. I wish I could do pics of the other rooms but we still have some work to do!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
ElleMurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585481665526225076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762736094770946238.post-76857603489160101442016-03-14T07:30:00.003-07:002017-03-14T18:52:21.329-07:00Medical Residency with Kids: Top 10 Pieces of AdviceMatch Day is here again, that fateful day when graduating medical students open an envelope and find out what hospital they'll be moving into for the next several years (no really... that's why it's called "residency"). These days, spouses and even kids join them up on stage for that magical moment, showing not only their support for the spouse but also their participation in the sacrifice and resulting achievement of the day. "We're in this together!" the display seems to say, and "We're ready to take on the world!" But the reality of medical residency is that it very often creates two <i>very</i> separate lives. While your spouse's brain is filled to the max with things that simply don't involve you, so too will you be on your own in the "new normal" you'll be forging largely for yourself (and your kids if you have them), somewhere new and random. Our Match Day happened 7 years ago, in 2009. As I am now, thank God, approaching the other side of medical training, I offer these tidbits of advice to any readers who are just starting out.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ejL0GlS19lI/VubGDWLmvdI/AAAAAAAAJWo/gF8qfv6qoOsj4Zi2uCrd7zvQlB6DZvRpQ/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-03-14%2Bat%2B10.08.43%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="193" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ejL0GlS19lI/VubGDWLmvdI/AAAAAAAAJWo/gF8qfv6qoOsj4Zi2uCrd7zvQlB6DZvRpQ/s640/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-03-14%2Bat%2B10.08.43%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b><br /></b>
<b>(1) Get a Small Living Space. </b>Not only is it all you'll be able to afford, but it actually makes solo parenting a lot more manageable. In our 2-bedroom apartment, my room, the kids' room, the bathroom, and the kitchen are all literally right next to each other. It is so much easier to have everything at your fingertips - food, bath, diapers, bed. If your spouse is going to work late almost every night for 3-7 years, at least cut out the stairs.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>(2) Get Comfortable Saying No.</b> This is a nightmare for people pleasers like me! I lost whole nights of sleep at first. But here's the reality: Nobody is going to take care of you, and NOBODY is going to "get it" when it comes to what's on your plate and how unrelenting it is. So you *have to* take care of yourself. Say no to:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Hosting people who don't fit in your living space;</li>
<li>Family trips you can't afford;</li>
<li>Helping with childcare at church, if you're a church-goer (you'll already be way OD'd on your own kids);</li>
<li>Watching friends' kids (unless it's paid);</li>
<li>Anyone who questions your choice to work or to stay home during this survival-mode time - believe me, no one choice here will solve your problems, so do what works best for <i>you</i>;</li>
<li>Anything else that you're going to dread or stress over in ANY way.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br />
The good news is, it gets easier and easier to say no once you do it a few times. I'm told this happens to you anyway, once you turn 40. And it's <i>good</i> for you, so you might as well start early. How many men do you know who are people pleasers? <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DJBn3LipgLI/Vub0UP9eMrI/AAAAAAAAJXI/54r2mgp69nAmMZQ2BWKuUu120L4yG5dWw/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-03-14%2Bat%2B1.25.07%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DJBn3LipgLI/Vub0UP9eMrI/AAAAAAAAJXI/54r2mgp69nAmMZQ2BWKuUu120L4yG5dWw/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-03-14%2Bat%2B1.25.07%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You'll be like "Nuh to the Uh to the No No NO."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>(3) Try To Accept Help Offered. </b> Personally I only rarely ever did this because I worried it would interfere with my ability to say no. However, now that we are approaching the "other side," I can already see that a normal life <i>will</i> make it <i>so</i> much easier to help others and that I'm excited to be able to do so. I remember feeling so guilty that I'd accepted 10 meals when I had my first baby and had only "repaid to the universe" seven of them. I should hit 20 this spring. <br />
<br />
<b>(4) Know That Your Spouse Won't Be The Same Person During Training.</b> Maaaaaybe yours will, if you're really lucky. But based on what I've seen on the threads I've followed in a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/livesofdoctorwives/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Dr. Wife Facebook Group</b></span></a> I'm in, it's more likely that the time your spouse is home will be even more problematic than the time he's gone. You'll be left mourning the loss of your sweet, amazing partner and freaked out about whether you made a big mistake when you got married. And unfortunately you will have no way of knowing which one of those it is until the training is over <i>and</i> there's been a period of readjustment for your spouse to come back to his (or her ... though I wonder if women generally handle it better, since IMO a lot of it comes down to not recognizing and properly addressing one's emotions/stress level/sleep deprivation) old self. A lot of marriages end during medical training, and if you're in this situation for many years then sticking it out is an incredibly high price to pay and requires a <i>lot</i> of faith. But if you do have kids, you really can't leave until and unless you know that he's gone for good. And the good news is that most of the time, he does come back.<br />
<br />
<b>(5) Take "The Marriage Course" Once Training is Over. </b>On that note, once training is over, if residency took a toll on your marriage (and even if it didn't), do something big to refresh and reset. We took "<a href="http://bostonwed-murakami.blogspot.com/2014/10/how-marriage-course-saved-my-marriage.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>The Marriage Course</b></span></a>" at the end of clinical training and it was revolutionary; I don't think we would have made it without it. It turned out that the end of clinical training was far from the end of the insane hours and sleep deprivation (my husband took on another very rigorous degree on top of fellowship) so I can't say we've been smooth sailing since having taken the course. However, I can say that I don't think we would have made it through <i>at all</i> without the course. Even if we hadn't technically divorced, we were well within the zone of permanent and really irreparable damage. But after the course, even rough patches weren't nearly as rough and now we're hopefully finally approaching our real Happily Ever After. If it's anything like the 8 months between the course and the new degree - or like our five pre-MS years - it's going to be amazing!<br />
<br />
<b>(6) Join "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/livesofdoctorwives/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Lives Of Doctors' Wives</span></a>." </b>This isn't just a Facebook group. With 6,000 members and now incorporated as a non-profit charity, it is an incredible support network. You can find other doctor-wives in your new residency town, and I cannot understate the importance of having friends in town who are in the same situation and really understand what you're facing every day. And that is just one of a myriad of benefits. You can post parenting questions in the parenting spinoff (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/578489035610800/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>LDW Kids</b></span></a>) and get much better answers than you'd ever find in, say, your Baby Center Birth Month Group. You can gain an incredible amount of insight into your own marriage just reading the threads - or you can message an admin and have a question posted anonymously. You'll have access to free entertainment all those evenings your husband is gone because you can participate in political debates in one of their debate spinoffs (I co-created and admin <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/physicianspousenetwork/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Physician Spouse Network</b></span></a>... ALL genders are welcome if you're married to a physician!). If you can manage to secure childcare, you can meet everybody IRL at the annual "get-together" in Texas ... financial aid is available for training wives. Really, don't miss the fantastic opportunity to be part of these groups. It's one of the perks of training, and there aren't very many others.<br />
<br />
<b>(7) Consider Trading Your iPhone for Cleaners. </b>Your spouse probably won't have time to help clean or ever watch the kids while you clean; in my book, a working spouse doesn't have to clean if they're severely underslept. For us, this meant a messy and dirty house for the first few years, until we could afford once monthly cleaners. It's worth every penny, honestly, and you can pay for it by switching from an iPhone to Republic Wireless, where we pay I believe $20/month for unlimited everything including data. We didn't have iPhones to switch out so we started with cleaners shortly after my husband could moonlight. For one hour a month of his moonlighting time, the entire apartment was cleaned. It saved my sanity and it went a long way toward alleviating resentment. If you can make it through 7 years without any help at home from your spouse and not be resentful, that's awesome. But I grew up with parents who were partners whenever they were both at home (and my dad was an MD), which was evenings and weekends. If your spouse is ever at home during training, he probably won't want to spend that time cleaning, and you probably won't want to spend it cleaning while he watches the kids - spend it together as a family making a memory instead.<br />
<br />
<b>(8) Prioritize Cleaning Materials. </b>I cannot stress this enough. The following three items will make a dramatic difference in your daily life.<br />
<br />
<ol>
<li><b>An excellent hand vac</b>. I recommend the<b> <a href="http://amzn.to/2mojA9l" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Black + Decker 20v Pivot</span></a></b>. Voltage *really* matters here, and the 20v Pivot is worlds stronger than other 18v's I've tried; it is one <i>strong</i> suck! List price is $79.99 but you can sometimes find it as low as $60ish on <a href="http://amzn.to/2mojA9l" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Amazon</b></span></a>. You will use this constantly for tabletop messes and even floor messes. Pop open the door to empty it. Simply a must-have.</li>
<li><b>A floor Steamer. </b> Having one of these will literally cut the time you'd spend cleaning any hard surface to 1/3 or less. Plus if you have crawlers it's nice to know they're on a floor that was steamed rather than one that had soap all over it. Amazon has <a href="http://amzn.to/2mWgM6v" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>lots of options</b></span></a>; I would go by price and by star-rating.</li>
<li><b>A Dyson cordless bagless vacuum. </b> If you can at all afford <a href="http://amzn.to/2mo4Nev" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>one of these</b></span></a>, you have GOT to get one. I only just got one last November when they finally dropped a bit in price (they were $400-600 previously) and I am in LOVE LOVE LOVE. They're *ultra* lightweight and cord-free, so it's a one-handed vacuum experience (with the on button right on the handle) that gets your hard floors so much cleaner than sweeping does (you should see what this thing picks up!!). Your other hand is free to move stuff out of the way, so you can go super fast ... it's seriously like having a magic wand. THEN it pops open to easily empty. ALSO, they convert to a handvac so you can kill two birds with one stone if you can manage to spring for one of these. We got the V8 and then we got my mom and my MIL the Motor Head... it counts for every holiday for the year since it's so expensive, but that's how amazing I think it is to have <a href="http://amzn.to/2mo4Nev" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>one of these</b></span></a>. </li>
</ol>
<br />
<b>(9) Get a DSLR. </b>You won't be able to afford professional pics during residency, but you'll definitely want to have high-quality, frameable pics of your kids from these precious early years. Ask family to go in on <a href="http://amzn.to/2nk2sWk" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>one of these</b></span></a>... add birthdays to Christmases if you have to. Your pics obviously won't be as amazing as they would if you could afford truly professional ones. But that time will come and while you're waiting, you can get great pics even just using <span style="color: #a64d79;"><a href="http://amzn.to/2nk2sWk" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>your DSLR</b></span></a> </span>on auto as a point-and-click.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m7TZk2uIXZE/VubKztcOhiI/AAAAAAAAJW4/s8DIbuXdKSsleTZmeiu-t3gZosOfc_RDw/s1600/Matthew%2Bbaby%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m7TZk2uIXZE/VubKztcOhiI/AAAAAAAAJW4/s8DIbuXdKSsleTZmeiu-t3gZosOfc_RDw/s400/Matthew%2Bbaby%2B1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My fave DSLR pic, snapped it on the auto setting with no skill whatsoever.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br />(10) Don't be too hard on yourself - or your spouse. </b>Couples in which at least one spouse is in medicine tend to be perfectionistic. But residency prohibits perfection. You're not going to have the perfect marriage, you're not going to have the perfect house, and you're not going to be the perfect mom (or friend... or relative) during these years. Corners during residency were <i>made</i> to be cut (I once posted the question "Do you shower at home when your spouse isn't there?" in a local parenting group and also in a group of doctor wives ... the local group was divided as to whether that was okay... the doctor wives unanimously did it because nobody is going to get up at 4:00 am to shower every day before their spouse leaves!). <br />
<br />
I like the idea from last week's <a href="http://www.momtomom.org/join-groupUS.php" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Mom To Mom</b></span></a> (DEFINITELY join your local chapter if you're Christian or even if you're just not bugged by being in a religious setting, it is a lifesaver - childcare provided, great friends made, and truly insightful lessons on parenting every week!!!) of making a list of things you <b><i>don't</i></b> do.<br />
<br />
Personally I don't:<br />
<ul>
<li>garden, with or without my kids;</li>
<li>craft, with or without my kids;</li>
<li>avoid screen time;</li>
<li>avoid bribery;</li>
<li>always arrive on time;</li>
<li>send veggies with every lunch;</li>
<li>make it to church on Sundays my husband is working;</li>
<li>I could go on.</li>
</ul>
<div>
I do:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Snuggle lots;</li>
<li>Bake;</li>
<li>Go to the park;</li>
<li>Read books;</li>
<li>Play the occasional board game;</li>
<li>Do a <a href="http://shrsl.com/?~bqlc" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Kiwi Crate</b></span></a> one a month with them (we could only recently afford, but worth every penny; it's a monthly activity box that is educational, creative and fun);</li>
<li>I could go on.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br />
Honestly, I hope you won't have kids during residency. That was our Plan A. But if you do end up juggling a residency with kids, know that it's doable. It won't be perfect. You won't be perfect. He (or she) won't be perfect. But this too shall pass :)</div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">________________________</span><br />
<em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Married to Medicine is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.</em>ElleMurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585481665526225076noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762736094770946238.post-86488048999699647942016-02-11T06:49:00.002-08:002016-03-14T12:37:52.266-07:00White Privilege - A Few Thoughts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lxtkXH-OnHk/VryaPv8MTDI/AAAAAAAAJMY/ESb1ifr5w5A/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-02-11%2Bat%2B9.25.59%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lxtkXH-OnHk/VryaPv8MTDI/AAAAAAAAJMY/ESb1ifr5w5A/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2016-02-11%2Bat%2B9.25.59%2BAM.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I have to say, I hesitate to tackle this issue... this is a subject the importance of which is matched only by its sensitivity, and I'm no expert. I'm not a person of color (POC) myself and I don't have any formal education on race relations. But I do feel like I've been exploring this topic for the past many months with friends both online and IRL ("in real life") and I feel like I've learned a lot, and I also feel like some of what I've learned would be useful to share. And I also feel like part of the problem is white people <i>aren't</i> talking about this. We're not talking about it amongst ourselves, and key for me: We're not talking about it with our friends of color.<br />
<br />
<b>Why we're not talking about it.</b><br />
<ul>
<li>It goes without saying that a lot of white people aren't talking about it because they believe that race in the U.S. today is a non-issue. We have a black president after all, right? And it appears easier for (non-Asian) minorities to get into colleges and graduate programs. So if there is still an "issue" about race, it couldn't possibly be that big of one right? I'm ashamed to say that I used to think this way too, pretty much. Part of what's so hard about privilege is that the fact <i>of</i> privilege makes it very difficult to recognize privilege. We're blinded by our condition of <i>being</i> blind ... it's circular, and there aren't many paths out of a circle. And also - </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>We're not asking our friends of color about their experiences and thoughts about racism - or white privilege. That means the only voices we're hearing - if we're even hearing any at all - are voices in the media, and media voices are easily discounted. They're politicians who are trying to garner votes, or they're politically extreme on a host of other issues as well. They're in the spotlight - <i>if they're even there </i>- and the spotlight doesn't often consciously filter into the everyday for us. Why aren't we asking our friends of color about their thoughts and experiences on race? Here are a few reasons I wasn't:</li>
</ul>
<div>
(1) I felt like it might be offensive to ask, and it wasn't my place to ask;</div>
<div>
(2) I felt like people might think I was weird for asking;</div>
<div>
(3) I still didn't *really* realize that race is still a big deal in the U.S.; and</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>I do want to acknowledge that some white people aren't thinking about race (at least, not extensively) because they're wrapped up in their own extremely difficult lives. I'm privileged not just as a white person, but also as a person of means. Historically, social change is most likely to be achieved when economies are strong enough to support a "leisure" class - people who are (1) likely to be highly educated; and (2) have enough free time to articulate and advance their ideas. </li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Finally, I think that some of us aren't talking about it because we fear rejection by our friends of color. We feel a confusing mix of regret, frustration, and defensiveness when we hear the phrase "white privilege" and we're worried that some people out there already dislike us because we're white ... so we just don't "go there" in our conversations. Better to keep pretending that race is nonexistent right? Because if "everything's fine" already, we could only possibly make it worse... </li>
</ul>
<div>
I continued on in the awkwardness of non-acknowledgement for many years, and through many friendships, for all of the above reasons. But eventually a host of factors and experiences pushed me toward the realization that everything <i>isn't</i> already fine. And honestly, I'm not even talking about shootings in the news (which themselves should probably be pretty sufficient!)... I'm talking about experiences I had "in real life." </div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
<b>What pushed me to talk about it.</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
Almost all of the things that pushed me to finally start talking about race stemmed from experiences with my real-life friends of color - which, in turn, made it genuinely important to me that my children experience diversity from a young age. The good news about the "circle" is that once you turn yourself around on it, it's still a circle - the more you talk, the more you know, the more you know, the more you talk, the more you know and talk, the more you act. Specifically:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><b>I got really sick of the "elephant in the room."</b> I credit this to four black women, each of whom I was incredibly impressed with and wanted to be closer to. But in particular with the friend I saw regularly, it soon became clear that something was lacking in our friendship, and I <i>couldn't</i> be closer to her. The lack of <i>something</i> was introducing an ever-present feel of artificiality. It dawned on me that you can't really be close to someone if you can't talk about a major element of their life's experience.</li>
<li><b>Regret. </b> Another of the above-mentioned women one day gave me some medical advice on a health condition I have that was genius, and that no specialist had ever mentioned to me before. Because she herself wasn't a physician (or at all in the medical field), and because I come from a medical family and I have an undying respect for and admiration of physicians, I was totally impressed that this insight had come out of the mouth of a layperson. I looked at her in awe, from across a table of other almost-all white women, and said "I'm so amazed that you said that!" I instantly regretted my words as she bristled. <i>Oh no, that's not at all what I meant!</i> I wanted to say, but I really couldn't in this semi-formal mom-to-mom group. </li>
<li><b>Curiosity. </b>I will credit the media somewhat on this. Race becoming a bigger media focus over the past year made me really, really curious to know what my friends of color thought about it. This helped push me toward asking.</li>
<li><b>Becoming a parent. </b> For me personally, I found it much easier to live with my head in the sand before I had kids. I was in my own little bubble-world, and when I did interact with anyone other than my husband and close friends I was the lawyer; I was in charge, I was respected, and my only worry was that people would think I wasn't smart because I was young, female, and blonde (honestly - this does happen; a whole group of girls once asked me in college "How did <i>you</i> test into the higher level French classes?" I was like "uh... I went to a good high school?"). But then I had a baby boy... and parenthood thrust me into the spotlight in a very uncomfortable way. <a href="http://bostonwed-murakami.blogspot.com/2013/09/my-humbling-experience-raising.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">Public toddler tantrums</span></a>, for example, had me feeling a way I had never before felt in public - insecure, humiliated, embarrassed, and judged. I found myself reaching to reassure myself and the reassurances made me ... uncomfortable. I found myself thinking "Surely they can see, though, that I'm pretty likely to be a good parent... after all, I am, I mean I look a certain, or at least I don't look a certain- " It was undeniable. I was relying on my physical appearance, and part of that was race. I was actually relying on my whiteness (and fitness ... and even my blondness). This did not sit well with me, and I felt awful for parents in my same situation who were judged even more harshly than I was sure I was being judged. </li>
<li><b>Also on being a parent. </b> I realized how every advantage and disadvantage my son had seemed pretty darn important! I worried a great deal about even the little "bad" things - his slightly delayed language as a toddler, his dad being super busy... and I also found myself inundated with legitimate information about how the little <i>good</i> things really do add up. Once you're cognizant of the impact that even small things have on children, it becomes impossible to deny the impact of something big, like race ... and that <i>means that kids do not start out on equal ground, which means that some children are disadvantaged, which means that others are privileged in comparison</i>. Not only are non-white children viewed by others through a lens of race and treated accordingly, but many minority groups are less likely to have access to any of the "little" good things that do add up, due to being economically behind after decades of (and continued) economic disenfranchisement. One thing I do for my son (and will do for my daughter) at age 5 is I send him once a week to a private "science explorers" class where the teacher has him completely convinced that science is fun. My hope is that this lengthy "first impression" will give him an advantage someday when he starts science in school. But this program is not cheap. The sad reality is that money *can* buy success on a myriad of levels, so the idea that race "doesn't matter" in our nation is a simple fallacy. </li>
<li><b>Finally, on being a parent.</b> I realized for the first time just how horrific slavery was and why it was so wrong and why and how it did so much damage. Imagine that every child you bore, you bore with the knowledge that he or she could be taken away from you at a moment's notice and sold to some far-off plantation, never to be seen again. Just imagine what that would do to you as a parent - to your ability to bond with your child! <i>And what it would do to the child!!</i> The horror and psychological destruction is unthinkable. I've long been fascinated with the coal mines and I'm familiar with the misery and early death that was typical of a coal miner's life. But the thing is that <i>even that still </i>wasn't slavery. Not by a long shot. </li>
<li><b>Being part of an online <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/livesofdoctorwives/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">doctor-wife group</span></a>. </b>All of the above still didn't give me the actual courage to ask my IRL friends of color about race. It had just always seemed taboo, and who was I to stir the pot on <i>this</i> subject?? But thankfully I was part of a Facebook group that provided me a unique social dynamic of closeness and distance such that the topic of race was discussed several times among people of varying ethnicities and opinions. Closeness because being a medical spouse gives you significant common ground with someone; distance because it was online. It was through these discussions and through some reading materials provided to me that I finally got up the courage to talk to my IRL friends of color about race.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<b>I was so glad I finally asked about race - and I want other white people to know that they, too, can ask about it.</b></div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Here's what I learned when I finally broke the ice:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li><b>Race is absolutely still an issue! </b>Your friends of color <i>are</i> thinking about it and they are experiencing disparate treatment all the time! Continuing to pretend it doesn't exist not only doesn't avoid a possible problem, but it perpetuates <i>the</i> problem. It's already not "fine" anyway, so you don't have to be worried about messing up the status quo.</li>
<li><b>Your friends of color will <i>not</i> be upset that you asked about it; they will be glad!</b> And you will be too! You will gain not only invaluable knowledge about the world you live in but you will also gain a <i>friend</i>. Because again - you can't <i>really</i> be friends with someone if you're not talking about all of the important things. I am <i>overwhelmed</i> thinking about the warmth, sensitivity, and insight that my asking has been met with from several people now. Also, on that note: <b><i> Their friendship is worth the risk. </i></b></li>
<li><b>At the same time, if you're willing to take this step, be sure you're willing to keep an open mind. </b>I don't know where you, as a reader, are coming from on this issue but I do think it's important to keep in mind that our ideas about what someone else's life must be like are just that: ideas, based on preconceived notions. We really just have a very, very blank slate but they've lived that life and so we're just guessing at what they <i>know</i>. And I'm still learning myself. Case in point: I was having lunch with an Asian friend and she mentioned that after the South Carolina massacre she had some anxiety herself, as an Asian. My initial, without-thinking reaction was <i>Huh? But you're Asian, and we're in the Northeast, what are the chances that you're going to be killed for being Asian up here? </i>But ask yourself - do you feel less secure in the U.S. after the terrorist attacks in Europe? Clearly a lot of us do; it's all over the news. </li>
<li><b>Race is not just an issue for black people. </b> Being married to a half-Asian man whose personal opinion is that race has in no way affected his life, and having myself never experienced any static for marrying a half-Japanese man (not even from my WWII veteran grandfather, who adored my husband), I definitely thought Asians were "totally fine" in the U.S. I also defensively felt that if there was any racism, it was in the opposite direction ... in law school, for example, an Asian classmate once asked me (mistakenly assuming that Mark was fully Asian himself) "How I had gotten my husband's family to accept the fact that I was white," which was a question I simply couldn't imagine anyone asking about someone having married a person of any non-white race. Well... imagine it. Because you know what? It is definitely happening. Again, part of what I learned through talking to my friends of color was that I truly don't know the extent to which other races are treated differently because I'm white, and I can only know my own experiences (unless... I <i>ask</i>). And I know that some of you are thinking "See, that's why I can't be bothered to care about race; they don't like us either, and I haven't myself <i>personally</i> done anything to deserve that." No, sorry, we cannot take that way out of this. If some minorities don't like white people, and don't like you because you're white... again: There are a lot of white people who don't like minorities. If we can so easily be tempted to abandon this cause because of <i>some</i> people's opinions, just <i>imagine</i> what we're asking them to do, when you consider that a white man just massacred 9 black people!!</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<b>A note on "White Privilege"</b></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I want to end this by talking about "white privilege" because as a term, it doesn't sit well with a lot of white people and there is really no need for that. If you're one of those people, please hear me out: </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Privilege is a necessary corollary to disenfranchisement. It is simply not possible for any group of people to be disenfranchised without that disenfranchisement being measured against a "norm." The white experience <i>is</i> that norm, and it is not possible to fully understand the extent of minority disenfranchisement without also thinking about that norm. The term "white privilege" is the most sensical way of calling to mind not only the stark, but also the often very subtle differences in the treatment and experiences of people of different races. It is not meant to shame you, as a white person, or to guilt you for things that are are likely to be either entirely or almost entirely out of your own personal control ... at least, I really don't think it is. Those feelings of shame and guilt are natural responses to the term because we wish the world <i>was</i> fair, and thinking about it being rigged in our favor is a really uncomfortable thought whether and to whatever, if any, extent we personally rigged it that way or not. But we have to prioritize working toward justice over (white) feelings of discomfort. So ... we need to get comfortable with talking about white privilege. To <i>not</i> do so would be ... completely racist, really. <br />
<br />
<b>A few Resources</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>If you still don't believe me, please watch <a href="https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1034946336547746&id=867183016657413&__mref=message" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">this video</span></a>. Watch it all the way through - it's heartbreaking.</li>
<li>If you still can't yet come to terms with the phrase "white privilege," <span style="color: #a64d79;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><a href="http://tedxtalks.ted.com/video/TEDxEMU-Justin-Ford-Pedagogy-of" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">consider replacing it with the phrase "racial privilege</span></a>.</span>"</span> The TED talk I'm linking to here is really informative.</li>
<li><a href="http://everydayfeminism.com/2015/06/black-feminists-guide-white-feminists/?utm_content=buffer81d66&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook.com&utm_campaign=buffer" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">This article</span></a> was an important read for me - it makes several good points I would never have been able to conceptualize because again, I've only walked in my own shoes.</li>
<li>Finally, this article discusses "<a href="http://madamenoire.com/451724/9-annoying-things-white-men-say-on-dates-with-black-women/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #a64d79;">9 Annoying Things White Men Say On Dates With Black Women</span></a>" but most of the points made apply pretty universally to black/white relations. On that note, be prepared that some of your friends of color won't want to talk about race, and as individuals they're all going to differ in their thoughts on the subject. My overall takeaway is that if it's someone you're close to and you're respectful about it, curious, and open-minded, it's still always going to be a good thing to ask - and to learn. </li>
</ul>
</div>
ElleMurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585481665526225076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762736094770946238.post-28158361816952852612016-01-01T22:10:00.002-08:002017-08-06T16:49:24.781-07:00A Murakami ChristmasI've been so terrible about capturing our family memories lately... yikes. I want to briefly capture everything we did for Christmas, since my kids were at such great ages for it (3 and 5). <br />
<br />
Traditions are really important to me. I believe that annual repetition of religious and/or cultural food, decor, and events is part of what tethers us to our own lives and our own stories - and can ultimately sustain us through the more difficult periods we encounter. I have been dreaming of the Christmas traditions I'd have with my own children for decades. Unfortunately I didn't use my camera much in December, but someday when my kids (and their kids?) ever look back at my blog, I want to document what we did in 2015:<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Advent. </b> I'm pretty much as excited about advent as I am about Christmas itself! I've <a href="http://bostonwed-murakami.blogspot.com/2011/12/passing-torch.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>blogged before</b></span></a> (back in 2011!) about how I've dreamt since childhood of having a beautiful advent calendar to do with my kids - inspired by my own grandmother - and how I snagged ours on clearance after drooling over it for months. My MIL also sends advent gifts and the kids are SO excited every morning of December. Hopefully next year will be the year that Claire is old enough <i>not</i> to open presents early when I'm not looking!</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Neb01hhuNi0/VodhgnjGU3I/AAAAAAAAItQ/kqF5SdUZmoM/s1600/Screenshot%2B2016-01-01%2Bat%2B11.34.38%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Neb01hhuNi0/VodhgnjGU3I/AAAAAAAAItQ/kqF5SdUZmoM/s400/Screenshot%2B2016-01-01%2Bat%2B11.34.38%2BPM.png" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LOVE IT.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li><b>Christmas Cookies - and a Cause.</b> I want to teach my children that Christmas is ultimately - religiously and historically speaking - a commemoration of the birthday of Jesus Christ. And whether or not you believe He was divine, I think it's indisputable that honoring His (arguably) biggest message - to give to and help others in need - is a really great way to keep the original meaning of Christmas in the holiday and to help our kids celebrate and partake in more than just gifts and family (also worthy, of course). This was our third year baking cookies to raise money for International Justice Mission - a top-rated charity that rescues victims from the worst and most violent forms of oppression, like child sex trafficking. We bake about 7 batches of our top 5 favorite cookies and ask for a $35-50 donation per box, locally. We then keep a few leftovers of each kind for our own Christmas Eve together (and Santa). My son started catching on last year (4.5 y/o) and had lots of questions. Of course, I didn't fully explain the cause we raised the money for... we just had a lot of talks about how some people have everything they need, and others don't even have enough food, so those whose needs are met have a duty to help others in need.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R-NnFF-Sg9A/Vodhuyf_5uI/AAAAAAAAItY/m6fgH1jaWNM/s1600/Screenshot%2B2016-01-01%2Bat%2B11.35.40%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-R-NnFF-Sg9A/Vodhuyf_5uI/AAAAAAAAItY/m6fgH1jaWNM/s400/Screenshot%2B2016-01-01%2Bat%2B11.35.40%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I list and describe each cookie, with links to the recipes, <span style="color: #cc0000;"><a href="http://bostonwed-murakami.blogspot.com/2013/12/my-favorite-cookies-my-favorite-cause.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>HERE</b></span></a><b>.</b></span><br />
Please!! It's not too late - help me rescue children from sex slavery by donating <a href="https://fundraising.ijm.org/campaign/3173/Cookies-for-Justice/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>HERE</b></span></a>. EVERY bit counts!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li><b>Angel Tree. </b> Also along those lines, each child picked a same-aged same-sex child card off the angel tree at our YMCA. We had fun (well... I did!) picking out new outfits for each child; one had asked only for a t-shirt, the other for a dress. Buying the gifts and putting them under the tree gave us further opportunities to talk about the meaning behind the holiday.</li>
<li><b>Santa. </b> After searching extensively over the past few years, I'm SO glad I waited. I found the PERFECT milk and cookies set for Santa this year . It's ADORABLE; my kids went crazy for it! The plate is actually a chalk board so the kids can leave a message for Santa and then he writes one back(!!!). I loved capturing the good they'd done this year and having Santa "notice" it. We even put carrots out for the reindeer! </li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QZd1Ku_E_oc/VodilAGrhiI/AAAAAAAAItk/2Y2lDzzdmnU/s1600/Screenshot%2B2016-01-01%2Bat%2B11.39.07%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-QZd1Ku_E_oc/VodilAGrhiI/AAAAAAAAItk/2Y2lDzzdmnU/s400/Screenshot%2B2016-01-01%2Bat%2B11.39.07%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LOVE this. Find it <a href="http://amzn.to/1Oqhu2P" target="_blank"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>HERE</b></span></a>. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li><b>Tree. </b>We picked out our tree from our favorite local farmstand, and thankfully Daddy took a few hours off to decorate with us! </li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HB18cvj45Dw/Vodj3vm_MHI/AAAAAAAAItw/R_ljSLLYXr8/s1600/Screenshot%2B2016-01-01%2Bat%2B11.41.50%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="419" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HB18cvj45Dw/Vodj3vm_MHI/AAAAAAAAItw/R_ljSLLYXr8/s640/Screenshot%2B2016-01-01%2Bat%2B11.41.50%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Totally forgot to take a pic of the tree this year, so here are the stockings. <br />
No chimney over here, Santa uses the window!<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li><b>New tradition:</b> This was our second year of going to see the 4D showing of Polar Express downtown at the Museum of Science - just me and the kids. It's SO cool - you can even smell the hot chocolate! </li>
</ul>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiZivrB0CrQ/VodkpaHs01I/AAAAAAAAIuA/Tvvox5aSL9c/s1600/Screenshot%2B2016-01-01%2Bat%2B11.47.40%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZiZivrB0CrQ/VodkpaHs01I/AAAAAAAAIuA/Tvvox5aSL9c/s400/Screenshot%2B2016-01-01%2Bat%2B11.47.40%2BPM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><b>Missed tradition </b>- we totally missed going into Four Seasons to check out their Christmas Village setup, which is amazing. Boo. It just never seemed quite right because it never snowed. Next year!</li>
<li><b>Email to Santa: </b> We had to let Santa know to come 1 day early since we'd be gone in Chicago by Christmas Day. Thankfully, Santa was happy to oblige.</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o4mQSNWs5nQ/VodlH3TPFWI/AAAAAAAAIuQ/LcIF3VXYhHo/s1600/Screenshot%2B2016-01-01%2Bat%2B11.42.19%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-o4mQSNWs5nQ/VodlH3TPFWI/AAAAAAAAIuQ/LcIF3VXYhHo/s640/Screenshot%2B2016-01-01%2Bat%2B11.42.19%2BPM.png" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheating with a pic from last year - forgot to take one this year!<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li><b>Chicago! </b> We hit both families every year, and I actually love it. Especially now that both kids sleep through the night. We started in Chicago since it was a Murakami year for the "real" Christmas. Mark's mom and her sisters are Swedish (like 3rd generation or something, but heritage-wise totally into it) and every year they put on a HUGE Christmas Eve Smorgasbord with everything you can possibly imagine and more. They then do another one for Christmas morning brunch. It's really quite incredible. But the best part is that my husband comes from a huge family (I counted 23 sleeping in his house and 14 more hanging around every day) so there is no end of people to chat and catch up with. I could actually cry when I think about how much I've come to love and appreciate my husband's family over the years. 2001 was my first Christmas with them so this was #15! I have *eight* siblings-in-law in our generation (and counting!) and they are all some of my favorite people to talk to, ever. Add to that at least one cousin our age also present (sometimes more!), and her husband, and our Rwandan (originally - but they've been here since childhood) friends Rachel and Rita who have been coming to these Christmases as long as I have ... there are at LEAST 12 people in my own generation, each one of whom I could chat with for hours. WHILE my kids are all but unheard of, off with their 5 billion cousins ... It is a TOTAL blast. </li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0KvzlnAF3eY/Vodk3qnZbhI/AAAAAAAAIuI/islwxOS2s3M/s1600/Screenshot%2B2016-01-01%2Bat%2B11.44.02%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0KvzlnAF3eY/Vodk3qnZbhI/AAAAAAAAIuI/islwxOS2s3M/s640/Screenshot%2B2016-01-01%2Bat%2B11.44.02%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheating with a pic from last year again.<br />
This is just SOME of us.<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li><b>American Girl Place. </b> I've been dreaming about having a daughter to bring here since I first went with my nieces, which was just a few days after I found out I was pregnant with Matthew. Done! WHAT a blast!</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0k95VI0jCnM/VodmAlhCziI/AAAAAAAAIuc/gU6e_dMk4R8/s1600/Screenshot%2B2016-01-01%2Bat%2B11.51.41%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0k95VI0jCnM/VodmAlhCziI/AAAAAAAAIuc/gU6e_dMk4R8/s640/Screenshot%2B2016-01-01%2Bat%2B11.51.41%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was everything I had ever dreamed it would be! Wait... was this supposed to be for my daughter?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b0_ijWB0tEA/VodmFlAjitI/AAAAAAAAIuk/ZWD0AFsJDJg/s1600/Screenshot%2B2016-01-01%2Bat%2B11.51.58%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b0_ijWB0tEA/VodmFlAjitI/AAAAAAAAIuk/ZWD0AFsJDJg/s640/Screenshot%2B2016-01-01%2Bat%2B11.51.58%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LOVE LOVE LOVE.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zNXybJ4Oc0k/VodmKl88tlI/AAAAAAAAIus/Y5OZ1l057W0/s1600/Screenshot%2B2016-01-01%2Bat%2B11.53.28%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zNXybJ4Oc0k/VodmKl88tlI/AAAAAAAAIus/Y5OZ1l057W0/s640/Screenshot%2B2016-01-01%2Bat%2B11.53.28%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Throwback to 2009, I had just found out on Christmas Day that I was pregnant and I hoped that someday I'd get to come back to AGP with a daughter of my own! <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Crazy to think that my two nieces on the left are now in HIGH SCHOOL!</span><br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<ul>
<li><b>Train ride! </b> It feels really magical and Christmasy to take the train from Chicago to Madison, through a snowy countryside.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CGiyaJAPygg/VodnDYdBerI/AAAAAAAAIu4/eEIFb51w8dM/s1600/Screenshot%2B2016-01-01%2Bat%2B11.44.30%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CGiyaJAPygg/VodnDYdBerI/AAAAAAAAIu4/eEIFb51w8dM/s640/Screenshot%2B2016-01-01%2Bat%2B11.44.30%2BPM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheating again - this was last year, when there was snow (so much cooler).</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yQVBZK__BjM/VodnIe8SUSI/AAAAAAAAIvA/zxMEaxwe5Aw/s1600/Screenshot%2B2016-01-01%2Bat%2B11.51.29%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yQVBZK__BjM/VodnIe8SUSI/AAAAAAAAIvA/zxMEaxwe5Aw/s400/Screenshot%2B2016-01-01%2Bat%2B11.51.29%2BPM.png" width="216" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This year: Post-cousin exhaustion.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Madison.</b> No better way to wind it down. Aaaaaaahhhh. So quiet and relaxing, and we kicked it off right with a huge snowstorm. The kids and I always stay a few weeks. It helps me reconcile living so far from my parents, and I know my kids benefit from all the extra attention.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2V7Es25in74/Vodoq1jynJI/AAAAAAAAIvM/yQexjoP9-DY/s1600/Screenshot%2B2016-01-02%2Bat%2B12.05.11%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2V7Es25in74/Vodoq1jynJI/AAAAAAAAIvM/yQexjoP9-DY/s640/Screenshot%2B2016-01-02%2Bat%2B12.05.11%2BAM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One last cheat from last year - I missed seeing all these guys this year.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br />
There you have it. With some older pics. That's what "A Murakami Christmas" means so far.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.48px;">________________________</span><br />
<em style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Married to Medicine is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.</em></div>
ElleMurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585481665526225076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762736094770946238.post-53522535677333494532015-10-09T18:55:00.003-07:002017-02-17T06:24:51.977-08:00My Top Ten Most Useful Products - Updated!I originally wrote this blog entry <a href="http://bostonwed-murakami.blogspot.com/2012/04/products-i-could-not-live-without-and.html" target="_blank">back in 2012</a> and decided it was time to update! I didn't change a thing other than adding two new ones at the end - guess useful is useful!<br />
<br />
My readers and friends know that I'm OCD about everything, but especially about shopping. It's not that I'm a compulsive shopper... I don't overbuy (believe it or not). Rather, I obsess over every. single. purchasing decision and then I take to blogging and posting about it. I've been doing this for years; I once spent close to three hours reading and re-reading reviews of every single kind of measuring cup that exists - on Amazon.com, BedBathandBeyond.com, and Target.com. I bought <a href="http://amzn.to/1hv8taO" target="_blank">the perfect set</a> and then wrote <a href="http://amzn.to/1MjdMCL" target="_blank">a review</a> that 353 people found helpful. And it *is* better than the others. Wondering how? Among other things, the 1/4 cup is properly weighted to sit up on its own and the circumferences on all the cups are slightly lower than on other sets, so even the 1 cup will scoop in a canister, and not make a mess when you level off the extra. Cooking <i>is</i> more fun with <a href="http://amzn.to/1Mjjfti" target="_blank">these</a>.<br />
<br />
Anyway, here are a few products I consider to be worth every last penny.<br />
<br />
<b>(1) Amazon Prime.</b> For $99/year you get free shipping on almost anything you could ever need, from toiletries to food to baby products and more, with <a href="http://amzn.to/1Nw8t8X" target="_blank">Amazon Prime</a>. Let me tell you, it pays for itself many times over. First off, you'll never need to go to Target, Walgreens, Babies R Us, Kids R Us, or anywhere other than the mall for your own clothes ever again. A lot of people don't consider wear-and-tear when they think about driving their car but the federal reimbursement rate is $.55 cents per mile, and gas is only getting pricier. Each trip to Target costs me 40 minutes in the car and 14 miles (so about $8.00 according to the feds). I would probably need to go once every 2-3 weeks as a mom without Amazon prime. Say I went every 3 weeks for a year, and multiply by $8.00/trip. That's $140. And that's <i>just Target</i>!! So considering that it literally pays for itself, you're left with all the time and hassle (and pollution!) you'll avoid by pointing and clicking on your item. GOLDEN. Bam, your life is so much easier.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b>(2) A Rockin' Umbrella Stroller.</b> I'm talking nothing less than a <a href="http://amzn.to/1Nw8EBa" target="_blank">Maclaren</a>, but if you find a sale go for the <a href="http://amzn.to/1hv8TxT" target="_blank">Uppababy G-Luxe</a>. This stroller weighs just 11 lbs... about as much as a newborn named Matthew. SO easy to pop in and out of your trunk, and folding and unfolding is a DREAM. It's also a one-handed push. So if you need to run into a store, you pop it out, pop baby in, and you've got a free arm for your grocery basket. It also rolls well enough to do walks anywhere, so you'll never have to lug your heavy jogging stroller over to a friend's house. The cup holder for your coffee is worth its weight in gold (obviously). And don't forget to calculate resale value into your stroller purchases... you'll get a decent return on this someday, and you can subtract that from the sticker price.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pbbDWavTIVw/T38i4XAvt9I/AAAAAAAABGE/VCb4aw9MCA0/s1600/Luxe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pbbDWavTIVw/T38i4XAvt9I/AAAAAAAABGE/VCb4aw9MCA0/s1600/Luxe.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>(3) The Best Floor Steamer You Can Find.</b> Still mopping? How would you like to mop your floor in 1/5 of the time? Trust me, you'll NEVER go back. No more getting out soap and waiting for a bucket to fill. No more going back and forth to the bucket with the mop. Just sweep, plug this baby in, run it over your floors, and you're done. My kitchen floor takes me about 10 minutes to sweep and mop. Bonus: no more cleaning chemicals for your baby to crawl on and then suck his hands. We got the Shark "Vac then Steam"(then on sale at Costco). They don't make that model anymore, and we never used the "Vac" part, so I now recommend <a href="http://amzn.to/2lquRbJ" target="_blank">the Bissell for its excellent reviews</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T7X_wGfsxsc/WKcF0iCF1CI/AAAAAAAANrc/s3DW7Ubo5-8_gpCDpW-8YsSKRWelNbRqACLcB/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-02-17%2Bat%2B9.16.25%2BAM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T7X_wGfsxsc/WKcF0iCF1CI/AAAAAAAANrc/s3DW7Ubo5-8_gpCDpW-8YsSKRWelNbRqACLcB/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2017-02-17%2Bat%2B9.16.25%2BAM.png" width="205" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b>(4) <a href="http://amzn.to/1O2ANkl" target="_blank">A Kindle.</a></b> Okay I cheated and my mom gave me her old one. But these are truly worth buying, and have <a href="http://amzn.to/1O2ANkl" target="_blank">come way down in price</a> since back when I first wrote this blog entry in 2012! Especially if you have a baby - you can read while nursing without needing to hold a book open, you can half-read while you play with your baby (until they get older), you can read on a plane even traveling "infant in arms" because you don't need both hands, you can read more easily on a machine at the gym, etc.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cK5KPujP-44/T38jWx0W1uI/AAAAAAAABGU/80CxPn3ijNM/s1600/Kindle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cK5KPujP-44/T38jWx0W1uI/AAAAAAAABGU/80CxPn3ijNM/s200/Kindle.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>(5) Key Finders.</b> Probably going to be my new baby shower gift. They should hand <a href="http://amzn.to/1LmNFP7" target="_blank">these</a> out at the hospital. Found them out of desperation after the 3rd time I searched through a very stinky kitchen garbage can for our keys. Free shipping if you have Amazon Prime!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x2UscWL-9d0/VhhinPbZ6YI/AAAAAAAAH1Q/xhAVYckgwqI/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-10-09%2Bat%2B8.57.41%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x2UscWL-9d0/VhhinPbZ6YI/AAAAAAAAH1Q/xhAVYckgwqI/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-10-09%2Bat%2B8.57.41%2BPM.png" width="317" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Especially if you have a toddler, <a href="http://amzn.to/1LmUO1D" target="_blank">best $20 (or so) you will ever spend</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<b>(6) Laundry Sorter with Removable Bags. </b> Space is at a premium for us but we still made room for <a href="http://amzn.to/1VKbgQx" target="_blank">this thing.</a> Now I can see at a glance what load needs to be done (whites, brights, or darks), grab the bag, and head to the laundry room (down two flights of stairs in our basement). Bonus: It's a LOT easier to carry a bag than a basket, especially downstairs (and then back up) - safer too. Double bonus: The bar overhead on ours isn't very pretty but it enables us to keep more hanging clothes in our master bedroom - key, when you live in a 2-bedroom apartment with almost no closet space!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FKMzwgATBMc/T38nJiOX7ZI/AAAAAAAABGk/tEeQmICy5bE/s1600/laundry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FKMzwgATBMc/T38nJiOX7ZI/AAAAAAAABGk/tEeQmICy5bE/s1600/laundry.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Love. It.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>(7) A DSLR Camera.</b> Oh, we had to save up for this. I believe it was my birthday present from parents, in-laws, and husband and then some. But this is another purchase that pays for itself. And the new version is now LESS than what we paid for ours way back when - <a href="http://amzn.to/2lV9nBg" target="_blank">click here to check it out</a>! We've never once paid for professional photos (update: We did start these, when my son turned 3). While we certainly still would if we could, we really had to choose. We chose the camera and have never looked back. I love that we have such high-quality photos from all ages and all trips, with all family members and with backgrounds that are meaningful to us and will bring back so many memories over the years. After a *lot* of research we settled on the Canon over the Nikon. I can tell you why, if you're in the market.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vMtKbRlWGEE/T382FcB-5fI/AAAAAAAABHE/VlUO7AMBzo0/s1600/IMG_6672.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vMtKbRlWGEE/T382FcB-5fI/AAAAAAAABHE/VlUO7AMBzo0/s640/IMG_6672.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bsrwjrvh67w/T383CENDRII/AAAAAAAABHc/SMiZgS0_yjo/s1600/IMG_7102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Bsrwjrvh67w/T383CENDRII/AAAAAAAABHc/SMiZgS0_yjo/s640/IMG_7102.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<b>(8) The Libman Soap Wand</b>. I've been through all the other brands and they all either leak soap or require you to repeatedly press a worthless button to get soap out. <a href="http://amzn.to/1VKbEyi" target="_blank">This is the one to get</a>. Makes doing dishes a breeze - you don't have to bother getting soap out or opening it. I also wear some cheap <a href="http://amzn.to/1VKbIyb" target="_blank">kitchen gloves</a> (from the grocery store, or often available as an "add-on" item on Amazon) - that way the water can get scorching hot and it doesn't damage my skin. Hot water + this thing = dishes done in a snap, even the ones that can't go in the dishwasher.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gNAbk6lPaOg/T38qCarhZRI/AAAAAAAABGs/NU3rjXTqD9w/s1600/dish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gNAbk6lPaOg/T38qCarhZRI/AAAAAAAABGs/NU3rjXTqD9w/s200/dish.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>(9) A Backpack Diaper Bag.</b> Nobody ever listens to me on this one, because they want something "cute." But if you're a SAHM, believe me, the last thing you want to do 24/7 is have your baby on one hip while you're balancing something else entirely on your other shoulder. I had the Columbia Trekster Diaper Bag, but they don't make it anymore. The <a href="http://amzn.to/1NwauC2" target="_blank">newer diaper bag backpacks</a> look a lot better, actually. <strike>It almost makes me want to have another kid</strike>. No. No no no.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M8vVcq6nti8/T38teG9IZ0I/AAAAAAAABG0/46WbV0II-p8/s1600/diaper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-M8vVcq6nti8/T38teG9IZ0I/AAAAAAAABG0/46WbV0II-p8/s1600/diaper.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Those were the days</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YvSSqOXeeIA/VhhlELmdI-I/AAAAAAAAH1k/YPZ1eDSz1J0/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-10-09%2Bat%2B9.06.28%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="305" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YvSSqOXeeIA/VhhlELmdI-I/AAAAAAAAH1k/YPZ1eDSz1J0/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-10-09%2Bat%2B9.06.28%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Looks awesome. No for real. See more like it <a href="http://amzn.to/1NwauC2" target="_blank">here</a>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b><b>(10) Lemon/Lime Juicer. </b> Best $1.99 I ever spent. If you're serious about cooking, you're going to end up juicing lemons and limes - and there is a **major** difference between fresh squeezed juice and that nasty stuff in the plastic bottles. You'll need lemon juice for salads like the divine <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/winter-fruit-salad-with-lemon-poppyseed-dressing-2/detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=winter%20fruit%20salad&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Home%20Page">Winter Fruit Salad with Lemon Poppyseed Dressing</a>, or in various cakes, cookies, and glazes. I've also discovered that a little fresh lemon juice stirred well with sugar can really jazz up a fruit salad - add some crushed mint leaves; even better. Lime juice you'll need for various tex-mex dishes and meat marinades. Lemons and limes are a major pain to juice without a juicer, but even the very cheapest juicer will make the task a piece of cake. Ours (like the one pictured) is apparently too simple for Amazon but here's <a href="http://amzn.to/1VKh3p5" target="_blank">one that looks great</a> - for $5, measures the juice and strains seeds.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v7S4K61byfQ/T38z1sokNRI/AAAAAAAABG8/XDIJPvTkBmU/s1600/juicer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v7S4K61byfQ/T38z1sokNRI/AAAAAAAABG8/XDIJPvTkBmU/s320/juicer.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Ours is too simple for Amazon - snagged it in the grocery store.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
(11) I'll end this piece with a list of other kitchen gadgets I would never want to live without.<br />
<ul>
<li>A <a href="http://amzn.to/1LmOMy4" target="_blank">cookie dough scoop</a> - scoop cookie dough (and muffin batter!) 5x as fast and have more even cookies, wish I had invented this one. </li>
<li><a href="http://amzn.to/1VKcs6l" target="_blank">Mini muffin tins</a> for <a href="http://bostonwed-murakami.blogspot.com/2014/10/dark-chocolate-peanut-butter-cup.html" target="_blank">Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Cookies</a> - an absolute all-time fave. </li>
<li>An <a href="http://amzn.to/1MjadMS" target="_blank">immersion blender</a> for <a href="http://bostonwed-murakami.blogspot.com/2015/09/curried-butternut-squash-and-pear-soup.html" target="_blank">Curried Butternut Squash & Pear Soup</a> - the recipe that is the staple of our autumns. </li>
<li>Glass "tupperware" like <a href="http://amzn.to/1LmPbk7" target="_blank">these</a> or for babies, <a href="http://amzn.to/1PlABeh" target="_blank">these</a> - so much safer than plastic and so much nicer to use - goes straight in the oven or microwave. </li>
<li>I also think any serious cook needs a <a href="http://amzn.to/1PlAJKY" target="_blank">Le Crueset</a>. Mine was my Christmas gift from Dear Husband last year - his idea, kudos to him! </li>
<li>And a *really wide and flat* "pancake spatula," like <a href="http://amzn.to/1Mjb9kv" target="_blank">this</a>. </li>
<li>Oh oh OH! And I could NOT live with out <a href="http://amzn.to/1MjbNyh" target="_blank">our egg cooker</a> - best $20(ish) ever spent! Hardboiled eggs for all our salads and for egg salad and deviled eggs (it also soft-boils and poaches) at the push of a button - and they always peel easily! </li>
<li>Finally, our newest addition: <a href="http://amzn.to/1VKdiQu" target="_blank">The Griddler</a>. Best gift EVER EVER EVER. It is crazy-easy to use and it grills perfectly indoors, or use the flat side as a griddle for the easiest pancake flipping ever! </li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6uAhkaM7fek/Vhhqe84xZLI/AAAAAAAAH10/KJAbRwtVBrs/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-10-09%2Bat%2B9.30.46%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6uAhkaM7fek/Vhhqe84xZLI/AAAAAAAAH10/KJAbRwtVBrs/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-10-09%2Bat%2B9.30.46%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">The Griddler. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bW8zHiAMQEE/VhhqlYz5RdI/AAAAAAAAH18/Nl79Si-bFSg/s1600/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-10-09%2Bat%2B9.31.16%2BPM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bW8zHiAMQEE/VhhqlYz5RdI/AAAAAAAAH18/Nl79Si-bFSg/s320/Screen%2BShot%2B2015-10-09%2Bat%2B9.31.16%2BPM.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;"><a href="http://amzn.to/1LmQmQy" target="_blank">Egg Cooker.</a> Best $20 (or so) you'll ever spend.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And there you have it, my master list. If anyone else has products they can't live without, I'd LOVE to hear about them!<br />
<br />
And if you've been following me for awhile now, please join me in my new Facebook group where we all post our best-find deals and coupon codes on high-end kids' and women's toys and clothing! Click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1619068435028362/" target="_blank">here</a> for the group!<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
________________________<br />
<em style="border: 0px; color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Married to Medicine is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.</em><br />
<em style="border: 0px; color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></em><em style="border: 0px; color: #999999; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></em>ElleMurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585481665526225076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762736094770946238.post-6685604904115690912015-09-29T19:21:00.001-07:002019-10-29T13:41:19.622-07:00Curried Butternut Squash and Pear Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
This soup is my #1 go-to for fall, the very first thing I do when the leaves start to change color. It's healthy - the base is fruit <i>and</i> veggies - my kids love it, and every friend I've ever had who has tried it has raved about it. It's somewhat of a reblog, as I covered it a few years ago, but I've got better pics now and the old version is buried in a personal entry; this deserves its own show.<br />
<br />
<i>Ingredients</i>:<br />
<br />
1 butternut squash<br />
3 tbsp butter<br />
1 onion, chopped<br />
2 cloves garlic, minced<br />
3 tsp fresh minced ginger root (produce section) **<br />
1 tbsp curry powder **<br />
1 tsp salt<br />
4 cups chicken broth (tip: use Better than Bouillon instead of broth, and add an extra tsp)<br />
2 bartlett pears - allow to ripen so they are soft and sweet<br />
1/2 cup cream (I once substituted milk and it was NOT as good)<br />
Parmesan or a dollop of sour cream to top (optional)<br />
<br />
** I tried this recipe without the ginger and curry and I might like it EVEN better that way. Still very sweet and savory, but with more of a classic fall flavor. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vZdm5451h6I/Vgnimv2JeUI/AAAAAAAAHq0/66szfB5fYzk/s1600/IMG_4881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vZdm5451h6I/Vgnimv2JeUI/AAAAAAAAHq0/66szfB5fYzk/s640/IMG_4881.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The finished product... fall in a bowl.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
(1) Roast the squash by slicing in half and removing seeds, and placing flat side down on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Roast in 375 degree oven for 45 minutes. When done, remove pulp from peel and set aside for later use. TIP: Use an ice cream scooper to get the pulp out - EASY!!!!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vRz9hgqPmD4/Vgni_tapUoI/AAAAAAAAHq8/ujiHhT4rPeQ/s1600/IMG_4862.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vRz9hgqPmD4/Vgni_tapUoI/AAAAAAAAHq8/ujiHhT4rPeQ/s400/IMG_4862.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I made a double batch; highly recommend, freezes perfectly.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
(2) Melt butter in large soup pot. Stir in onion, garlic, ginger, curry powder, salt, and saute until onion is soft. Add chicken broth (or add 4 cups of water and 5 tsp of Better than Bouillon) and bring to a boil. Add pear and squash and simmer until pear is soft (about 30 mins).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_h5N5j1VZx0/Tscjsk98EMI/AAAAAAAAA2s/zJqzFPeF_vI/s1600/IMG_8804.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_h5N5j1VZx0/Tscjsk98EMI/AAAAAAAAA2s/zJqzFPeF_vI/s400/IMG_8804.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Peeling and mincing the ginger root.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-llQsML7tN04/VgtF7A5aMVI/AAAAAAAAHrk/aZE9XTyA2UU/s1600/IMG_4864.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-llQsML7tN04/VgtF7A5aMVI/AAAAAAAAHrk/aZE9XTyA2UU/s400/IMG_4864.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love, LOVE ginger.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7X9PaxMERsc/TscjwWbsq1I/AAAAAAAAA20/2XcnlQU0W6A/s1600/IMG_8808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7X9PaxMERsc/TscjwWbsq1I/AAAAAAAAA20/2XcnlQU0W6A/s400/IMG_8808.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Sauteeing butter, onion, garlic, ginger, curry, salt.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gjP0ScUkuHg/Tscj1FFQYsI/AAAAAAAAA28/bzC4eleWl-A/s1600/IMG_8811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gjP0ScUkuHg/Tscj1FFQYsI/AAAAAAAAA28/bzC4eleWl-A/s400/IMG_8811.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Cored.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jgG9OusXafg/Tscj45BtA4I/AAAAAAAAA3E/Ilp_xMB6j2M/s1600/IMG_8812.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jgG9OusXafg/Tscj45BtA4I/AAAAAAAAA3E/Ilp_xMB6j2M/s400/IMG_8812.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Easy pear dicing.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eMnbABgCmGk/Tscj9dJGsBI/AAAAAAAAA3M/8J-WdG4_NEU/s1600/IMG_8814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eMnbABgCmGk/Tscj9dJGsBI/AAAAAAAAA3M/8J-WdG4_NEU/s400/IMG_8814.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">SO easy. Scoop up with spatula and add to soup.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
(3) Here's the labor of this recipe: If you don't have <a href="http://amzn.to/1h8XpQz" target="_blank">an immersion blender</a>, you need to transfer the soup to a food processor or blender in batches and blend until soup is pureed. I highly recommend getting an immersion blender though. They're not very expensive and they can pay for themselves easily when you use them to make your own baby food, smoothies, or other soups - <a href="http://amzn.to/1h8XpQz" target="_blank">find it on Amazon</a> - makes a great gift too.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IbC2Vw6FZ3Q/TsckBZLmFnI/AAAAAAAAA3U/Hl3h7tf7Yf4/s1600/IMG_8815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IbC2Vw6FZ3Q/TsckBZLmFnI/AAAAAAAAA3U/Hl3h7tf7Yf4/s400/IMG_8815.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Immersion blender. Perfect for making your own soups, baby food, or smoothies.<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
(4) Return soup to pot. Stir in cream. Reheat. I like to serve with a dollup of sour cream or a sprinkling of cheese in the middle. So fancy right?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cflerakWCnM/TsckFODwOxI/AAAAAAAAA3c/_eHE4VDtqSY/s1600/IMG_8817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cflerakWCnM/TsckFODwOxI/AAAAAAAAA3c/_eHE4VDtqSY/s400/IMG_8817.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Double batch. It freezes perfectly in any container.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Enjoy. Again and again :)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vZdm5451h6I/Vgnimv2JeUI/AAAAAAAAHq4/pFE8ihHv3Jo/s1600/IMG_4881.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vZdm5451h6I/Vgnimv2JeUI/AAAAAAAAHq4/pFE8ihHv3Jo/s640/IMG_4881.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 23.399999618530273px; margin: 0px 0px 23px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; color: #999999; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><em style="border: 0px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">____________________</em></span></div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 23.399999618530273px; margin: 0px 0px 23px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<em style="border: 0px; color: #999999; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">"Married to Medicine" is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.</em></div>
ElleMurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585481665526225076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762736094770946238.post-9743826928890084512015-07-04T19:16:00.001-07:002015-07-04T19:16:17.443-07:00"Cowboy Caviar": My Most Asked-For Recipe<div>
Since part of my blogging goal is to capture our best-loved recipes, it's about time I devoted a ditty to "Cowboy Caviar."</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My mom discovered this gem years ago at a party and we've been making it ever since. People love it and I'm always asked multiple times for the recipe. It's especially great for summer gatherings, since it's cool and refreshing. I've altered the original to up the flavor punch and I'm telling you - it's fantastic. Give it a try - your friends will thank you! Just be sure to leave at least 4 hours for the ingredients to jive together before serving!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
* This recipe is very forgiving, so alter it however you like. Sometimes I add canned diced tomatoes (drained), cilantro, or avocado.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Cowboy Caviar</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;"><u>For the Dressing</u>:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;">3/4 cup sugar</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;">3/4 cup olive oil</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;">3/4 cup apple cider vinegar</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;">1/4 tsp salt</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;">cracked pepper (however much you think)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;"><i>Combine all ingredients in a sauce pan. Simmer until sugar is dissolved. Cool.</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;"><u>For the Rest of It</u>:</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;">1 can pinto beans, drained and rinsed</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;">1 can white or shoe peg corn, drained and rinsed</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;">1 can black eyed peas, drained and rinsed</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;">1 small jar pimentos, drained (optional)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;">1 small jar (or however much you think) diced jalapeño</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;">2 green onions, sliced thin</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;">1 green pepper, diced</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;">2-3 celery stalks, diced</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;">Additional salt, to preference</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;">Tostitos Scoops</span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;"><i>Combine all ingredients, stir in cooled dressing. Refrigerate at least 4 hours. Serve drained, or with a slotted spoon. </i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_lT1XFtnx80/VZiS8bBd8yI/AAAAAAAAGiQ/2viuPjubyQc/s1600/IMG_9092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_lT1XFtnx80/VZiS8bBd8yI/AAAAAAAAGiQ/2viuPjubyQc/s640/IMG_9092.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sorry these pics aren't the greatest, but you get the idea.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFLRsBvKtkc/VZiTFD0d92I/AAAAAAAAGiY/7fAw_A8CWEI/s1600/IMG_9090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="534" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mFLRsBvKtkc/VZiTFD0d92I/AAAAAAAAGiY/7fAw_A8CWEI/s640/IMG_9090.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For this batch, I added some orange pepper. You can add anything you want, really.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="color: #990000;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
ElleMurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585481665526225076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762736094770946238.post-12049336188652519902015-06-02T18:54:00.000-07:002015-06-03T06:22:05.119-07:00No, breastfeeding my children did not prevent them from developing childhood leukemia. But that sure would be nice.Sigh.<br />
<br />
I just have to point this out because it is a classic, **<i>classic</i>** example of how the "benefits" of breastfeeding get exaggerated. As my readers know, I exclusively breastfed both of my children until they self-weaned. We used pumped milk in bottles only a handful of times ever, and I was just lucky my kids even took bottles on those occasions. But knowledge is power and I'm all for empowering women. And a lack of true knowledge about breast-feeding can and does cause severe feelings of guilt and inadequacy in moms who aren't able to swing it. Because of things like this...<br />
<br />
Earlier today, an article came across my AAP SmartBrief, "<a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2015/06/01/breastfeeding-childhood-leukemia/28174193/" target="_blank">Study: Breastfed Children Have Slightly Lower Risk of Childhood Leukemia</a>." As with all things statistical, there were many ways to present the findings. As with all things media, the most dramatic way was the one up front:<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>"<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22px;">Now a new analysis finds that breastfed babies also have a 14% to 19% lower risk of pediatric leukemia, the most common childhood cancer."</span></b></span><br />
<br />
Wow, that sounds significant doesn't it? I mean, 14% and 19%, that's huge, right? Not so much. Later in the article a more accurate description is provided: <br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>"<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 22px;">If the study's conclusions are correct, breastfeeding would decrease a child's risk of leukemia from 0.005% to 0.004%, Brown said."</span></b></span><br />
<br />
Now, don't get me wrong. As a parent, I'm all for reducing risk - even risk so minuscule as to be negligible. But here's the kicker - even if the human mind could wrap itself around the difference between .004% and .005% - which it can't - this study now making the internet rounds did not control for a single socioeconomic or environmental factor! Literally NOT ONE (you can read a more thorough analysis <a href="http://www.redwineandapplesauce.com/2015/06/01/are-we-sure-breastfeeding-reduces-leukemia-risk-and-does-it-matter/" target="_blank">here</a>)!!!!! And it goes (or should go) without saying that socioeconomic factors are highly confounding in any discussion of breast-feeding benefits because women with better resources are more likely to succeed with breastfeeding (and less likely to smoke... and more likely to read to their children... it is truly endless). I can get you citations on that, or you can watch some Teen Mom. <br />
<br />
On top of that - if we can even reach any higher to pile on one more thing - childhood leukemia <i>has <b>already</b> been tied to socioeconomic factors</i>. Check out <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3915441/" target="_blank">this study</a> showing a higher risk for children who's fathers smoke or have high-risk jobs. So a study that failed to control for such factors, and then found a whopping .001% benefit for breastfeeding, is simply not worth giving a second glance. And any "professional" passing off this study as legitimate or noteworthy is - ironically - lacking in knowledge of her field.<br />
<br />
So please everybody, let's stop with the exaggeration already. I like a pat on the back just as much as the next person... but not when it comes at the expense of some mom out there struggling so hard to nurse her baby and failing, and thinking she's increasing his chance of childhood cancer. Or worse: The mothers out there who weren't able to breastfeed, who's children did develop childhood leukemia, and who are now sick with a guilt there is absolutely no basis for them to feel.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ir97X5x83aw/VW5fq7fTxHI/AAAAAAAAGXw/kvvHRXEz3nA/s1600/MILF.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ir97X5x83aw/VW5fq7fTxHI/AAAAAAAAGXw/kvvHRXEz3nA/s640/MILF.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I would give anything to prevent him from developing childhood cancer. Who wouldn't? <br />
But alas, I had to settle for mild respiratory infections (read: colds) and GI bugs.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />ElleMurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585481665526225076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762736094770946238.post-49785680712361806632015-05-05T20:37:00.004-07:002015-05-06T13:07:24.514-07:00Our First "Starbucks Walk" of the Season, 2015I have to capture today, because<br />
<br />
it<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
was<br />
<br />
perfect.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-osIdWNVViVI/VUl-J4JQIzI/AAAAAAAAF7c/ilnlrc4C3dI/s1600/IMG_8354%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-osIdWNVViVI/VUl-J4JQIzI/AAAAAAAAF7c/ilnlrc4C3dI/s1600/IMG_8354%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" height="414" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
All winter and early-spring on I eagerly await the first day warm enough to take my kids on what we call a "Starbucks Walk." We live right off a glorious bike trail and it's just perfect that there's a Starbucks 25 minutes out, and a fabulous park on the way back. I can't even begin to estimate how many "Starbucks Walks" we've been on since my son was born - hundreds, for sure. This was our go-to almost every single day until he was old enough for preschool. And our salvation on sooooooo many weekend days when Mark was working and we needed something to fill the time. <br />
<br />
Because it's impossible to do a "Starbucks" walk during the winter, the first walk of spring has become one way I mark the passing of time. Today, breathing in the sweet smells of a world once again teeming with life, I found myself flooded with memories. I can hardly believe how much time and life have passed since those first few walks with infant Matthew. Just a smattering of the strongest memories marking the time...<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Venturing outside, on my own for the first time with Matthew, feeling excited and brave but also nervous for what might happen when he needed to eat or needed a diaper change;</li>
<li>The time with toddler Matthew on our way home one evening when he first noticed the <i>real</i> moon after reading about it in storybooks - he practically hyperventilated he was so thrilled;</li>
<li>A growing sense that these walks would be ever more complete with another little companion tagging along, and happy anticipation for that time;</li>
<li>Pushing toddler Matthew and our new "B'ay Kwehr" in the double stroller, thrilled that Matthew loved Claire so much he insisted on riding in the bottom <i>with</i> her.</li>
</ul>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q6XSD0cWwvs/VUl_YNPX4rI/AAAAAAAAF7k/_9GAOHsff7U/s1600/stroller%2Bwalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q6XSD0cWwvs/VUl_YNPX4rI/AAAAAAAAF7k/_9GAOHsff7U/s1600/stroller%2Bwalk.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2013.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jONmgwxwgMI/VUl_ZNFTXrI/AAAAAAAAF7s/rv92NGbDI4w/s1600/stroller%2Bwalk%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jONmgwxwgMI/VUl_ZNFTXrI/AAAAAAAAF7s/rv92NGbDI4w/s1600/stroller%2Bwalk%2B2.jpg" height="425" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">2013.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-q6XSD0cWwvs/VUl_YNPX4rI/AAAAAAAAF7k/_9GAOHsff7U/s1600/stroller%2Bwalk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
As special as this tradition has become to me, I really had no way of knowing what, if anything, my kids thought of it or would one day remember of it. So I was pretty thrilled last night when I mentioned to Matthew that it would finally be warm the next day and he immediately asked to go on a Starbucks walk. How cool to know that at least one child was now excitedly anticipating with me!<br />
<br />
It started out something like this - Claire is still just learning how to scoot, and she sometimes gets sad that her brother is too far ahead.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nt6sXmepYAg/VUmESgP0rxI/AAAAAAAAF78/UClupFDtD04/s1600/IMG_8328.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Nt6sXmepYAg/VUmESgP0rxI/AAAAAAAAF78/UClupFDtD04/s1600/IMG_8328.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
Happy reunions, complete with hugs, are always had when we catch up:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uw_-ED6NUOw/VUmEyJzmD7I/AAAAAAAAF8E/Xr331xPyYuo/s1600/IMG_8336.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uw_-ED6NUOw/VUmEyJzmD7I/AAAAAAAAF8E/Xr331xPyYuo/s1600/IMG_8336.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
So glad I grabbed my camera this morning - would not have wanted to miss this series:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XPowT3IuatU/VUmFIMlzisI/AAAAAAAAF8M/jTarHOpNhho/s1600/IMG_8341.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XPowT3IuatU/VUmFIMlzisI/AAAAAAAAF8M/jTarHOpNhho/s1600/IMG_8341.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KzfOlg7LKq8/VUmFUtn7w-I/AAAAAAAAF8U/A8c1ZXGhB9o/s1600/IMG_8346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KzfOlg7LKq8/VUmFUtn7w-I/AAAAAAAAF8U/A8c1ZXGhB9o/s1600/IMG_8346.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kVsiV8TTUOs/VUmFmX9treI/AAAAAAAAF8c/5rLLiwhwqUY/s1600/IMG_8359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kVsiV8TTUOs/VUmFmX9treI/AAAAAAAAF8c/5rLLiwhwqUY/s1600/IMG_8359.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Hooray! We stumbled on a huge dandelion patch, Matthew's favorite since before he could even walk. We picked some dandelions together...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6WnEpDWtl-g/VUmF-bQO30I/AAAAAAAAF8k/dn70ctPsPgI/s1600/IMG_8405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6WnEpDWtl-g/VUmF-bQO30I/AAAAAAAAF8k/dn70ctPsPgI/s1600/IMG_8405.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
And some apart.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--uA6N7yc1es/VUmGR8rcSHI/AAAAAAAAF8s/f1UEhp4mlA0/s1600/IMG_8377.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--uA6N7yc1es/VUmGR8rcSHI/AAAAAAAAF8s/f1UEhp4mlA0/s1600/IMG_8377.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jBNkvdhWyoo/VUmGaZ9VVtI/AAAAAAAAF80/Fpu3-C06H18/s1600/IMG_8386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jBNkvdhWyoo/VUmGaZ9VVtI/AAAAAAAAF80/Fpu3-C06H18/s1600/IMG_8386.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fC_qkzyZwLI/VUmHAhTAtYI/AAAAAAAAF88/4SMi0PB3UzU/s1600/IMG_8434.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fC_qkzyZwLI/VUmHAhTAtYI/AAAAAAAAF88/4SMi0PB3UzU/s1600/IMG_8434.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CtDxqSagGlc/VUmHL5MONuI/AAAAAAAAF9I/mnYsqQfEAxo/s1600/IMG_8382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CtDxqSagGlc/VUmHL5MONuI/AAAAAAAAF9I/mnYsqQfEAxo/s1600/IMG_8382.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cUlRb4fyA14/VUmHmuVmr2I/AAAAAAAAF9Q/uuLYbSJ3vf0/s1600/IMG_8404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cUlRb4fyA14/VUmHmuVmr2I/AAAAAAAAF9Q/uuLYbSJ3vf0/s1600/IMG_8404.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
And, of course: The final destination!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AVZj_c4KE3o/VUmHyk44OXI/AAAAAAAAF9Y/ITDMjUPfFUo/s1600/IMG_8439.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AVZj_c4KE3o/VUmHyk44OXI/AAAAAAAAF9Y/ITDMjUPfFUo/s1600/IMG_8439.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EtRXfcN9zyo/VUmH80ItZhI/AAAAAAAAF9g/JNIN6IErp3o/s1600/IMG_8441.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EtRXfcN9zyo/VUmH80ItZhI/AAAAAAAAF9g/JNIN6IErp3o/s1600/IMG_8441.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0bGbF7Ut-_c/VUmIUNhdVvI/AAAAAAAAF9w/DNRb0OGo94Q/s1600/IMG_8468.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0bGbF7Ut-_c/VUmIUNhdVvI/AAAAAAAAF9w/DNRb0OGo94Q/s1600/IMG_8468.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
On our way back, Matthew got a haircut. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dXdjZ72NUcQ/VUmIuU863XI/AAAAAAAAF-A/_UU0FFgoYsg/s1600/IMG_8472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dXdjZ72NUcQ/VUmIuU863XI/AAAAAAAAF-A/_UU0FFgoYsg/s1600/IMG_8472.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7EVGIjnszoA/VUmI2TEsrfI/AAAAAAAAF-I/Wu_zD2ZeRsQ/s1600/IMG_8473.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7EVGIjnszoA/VUmI2TEsrfI/AAAAAAAAF-I/Wu_zD2ZeRsQ/s1600/IMG_8473.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
And Claire danced.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-032uBwE8kvc/VUmJMGw8ZdI/AAAAAAAAF-Q/-ZX7DVeyauo/s1600/IMG_8464.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-032uBwE8kvc/VUmJMGw8ZdI/AAAAAAAAF-Q/-ZX7DVeyauo/s1600/IMG_8464.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0_pbrS-gR1A/VUmJxQaZ1-I/AAAAAAAAF-c/p1TNZuo5OSQ/s1600/IMG_8447%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0_pbrS-gR1A/VUmJxQaZ1-I/AAAAAAAAF-c/p1TNZuo5OSQ/s1600/IMG_8447%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" height="640" width="464" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yliin-D9zSY/VUmJ0yMklCI/AAAAAAAAF-o/WwMiWzOYUHQ/s1600/IMG_8450.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Yliin-D9zSY/VUmJ0yMklCI/AAAAAAAAF-o/WwMiWzOYUHQ/s1600/IMG_8450.jpg" height="640" width="558" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EqIwvL1VHyM/VUmJ3Rs8rII/AAAAAAAAF-w/yjxA3HJYVW0/s1600/IMG_8459%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EqIwvL1VHyM/VUmJ3Rs8rII/AAAAAAAAF-w/yjxA3HJYVW0/s1600/IMG_8459%2B-%2BVersion%2B2.jpg" height="640" width="226" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
... and there were a few more happy reunions...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-udRLTywUvno/VUmKTS8THeI/AAAAAAAAF-0/bVk9hu2pqrw/s1600/IMG_8481.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-udRLTywUvno/VUmKTS8THeI/AAAAAAAAF-0/bVk9hu2pqrw/s1600/IMG_8481.jpg" height="640" width="422" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cMYEqANnQxE/VUmKX8kgrgI/AAAAAAAAF-8/Cj7b6IzxGFg/s1600/IMG_8482.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cMYEqANnQxE/VUmKX8kgrgI/AAAAAAAAF-8/Cj7b6IzxGFg/s1600/IMG_8482.jpg" height="640" width="432" /></a></div>
<br />
And one very, very happy mommy. Even Claire's first experience with "mean girls" at the gym today couldn't take away my glow for long - especially because the first thing Matthew said to Mark when Mark walked in the door for dinner was "Daddy! Some girls at the gym were being mean to 'Kwehr'! And I was in my swimming class so I couldn't help her!" For. Sigh.<br />
<br />
Matthew and Claire, I hope you know that you make our hearts glow every single day. Both your father and I feel so lucky to have you as our children. We delight in each of you and especially in your relationship with each other. We are shocked, blown away, delighted, and just jaw-dropingly happy that you've turned out to be such good buddies for each other (so far, anyway!). I'll close this with a few of lyrics from one of the songs you often request at bedtime:<br />
<br />
"A million tomorrows shall all pass away, e'er I forget all the joys that are mine today."<br />
<br />ElleMurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585481665526225076noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762736094770946238.post-36016287185405530392015-04-03T12:30:00.001-07:002015-04-10T11:15:31.954-07:00GIVEAWAY! Persnickety and Sweet Honey fanatics, meet Nani Kalani!<br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">**Use the code Boston1 for FREE shipping!!**</span><br />
<br />
Do frustrations with the available to-die-for brands leave you daydreaming about creating your own boutiquey kids' clothing? If your wish list would include:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Ultra high-end fabric</li>
<li>Persnickety and/or Sweet Honey style (old-fashioned dreamy meets edgy)</li>
<li>Wearable! Meaning, for kids: <i>Play</i>able.</li>
<li>and the kicker... you thought this was a long-shot, I know: Affordable :)</li>
</ul>
<br />
Then you have got to check out Nani Kalani.<br />
<br />
Melissa Desmond, the owner and creator of NK, started NK out of her home just last spring; their first dress launched last year. Inspired by her daughter Kalani ("Nani" means "beautiful"), Melissa followed in her mother and grandmother's footsteps and began sewing what <i>she</i> wanted to see her daughter in. The result? No end of people wanting to know where she shopped. When her husband suffered a serious motorcycle accident in 2013, they decided they could no longer wait to take chances on their dreams. <br />
<br />
Today, Melissa and a slowly growing team of local ladies work tirelessly in what <i>was</i> her formal dining room. Joy and camaraderie are part and parcel in the creation of each unique, whimsical fashion. Dresses are released twice a month on Tuesdays at 8:00 pm EST; the next release will be the dress shown on my daughter below, <i>this</i> Tuesday! In the meantime, we will be giving away a voucher to one lucky lady who will get to select a NK dress of her choice. To enter the giveaway, follow these steps:<br />
<br />
(1) "Like" my blog's Facebook page on Facebook (click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/MarriedtoMedicineBlog?fref=ts" target="_blank">here</a> to do so), if you haven't already.<br />
(2) The giveaway will be the at the top of the page; to enter, comment on the post with your favorite item shown on <a href="http://www.nanikalaniclothing.com/" target="_blank">Nani Kalani's Website</a>. <br />
<br />
Just for fun, "Like" Nani Kalani's FB page too and try to name the new dress - click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nanikalaniclothing?fref=ts" target="_blank">here</a>!<br />
<br />
That's it! I'm so pleased I could introduce you to this up and coming brand if you're not yet familiar :)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ovjGfmf5uWQ/VR7ZaHWLthI/AAAAAAAAFiY/07cpgIu05Fg/s1600/IMG_7578.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ovjGfmf5uWQ/VR7ZaHWLthI/AAAAAAAAFiY/07cpgIu05Fg/s1600/IMG_7578.jpg" height="640" width="340" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This gorgeous but playable woodland fairy themed dress will load <i>this Tuesday at 8:00 pm EST.</i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NcJCgQzijx4/VR7lyzTTr_I/AAAAAAAAFiw/SfJix71l9Ec/s1600/IMG_7543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NcJCgQzijx4/VR7lyzTTr_I/AAAAAAAAFiw/SfJix71l9Ec/s1600/IMG_7543.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The richness of the fabric and the attention to detail are what <i>make</i> NK - who doesn't swoon over a double-ruffle hem?<br />
Unique flourishes too; look carefully above, this dress ties on the side :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IecsLelzX3s/VR7ZjfTFRBI/AAAAAAAAFig/OumLYxGcFqU/s1600/IMG_7587.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IecsLelzX3s/VR7ZjfTFRBI/AAAAAAAAFig/OumLYxGcFqU/s1600/IMG_7587.jpg" height="400" width="355" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>My</i> little woodland fairy. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
A few of my other NK faves:<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oqrcG4I2veA/VR7nKGLM8NI/AAAAAAAAFi8/HOSepmmjto4/s1600/NKa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oqrcG4I2veA/VR7nKGLM8NI/AAAAAAAAFi8/HOSepmmjto4/s1600/NKa.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The namesake herself - soooooo darling.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cZWwcwfb7lg/VR7nSvGn46I/AAAAAAAAFjE/_L-Zigl9PWQ/s1600/NKb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cZWwcwfb7lg/VR7nSvGn46I/AAAAAAAAFjE/_L-Zigl9PWQ/s1600/NKb.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This loaded last fall... hoping for something similar this fall!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KMaFLeclyGs/VR7nSpdIKoI/AAAAAAAAFjI/DE5sLcwtKLg/s1600/NKc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KMaFLeclyGs/VR7nSpdIKoI/AAAAAAAAFjI/DE5sLcwtKLg/s1600/NKc.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Those. Sleeves. !!!!!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H1V7sxQLSCs/VR7nXl6GPRI/AAAAAAAAFjU/mkPHkYRu3Xg/s1600/NKd.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-H1V7sxQLSCs/VR7nXl6GPRI/AAAAAAAAFjU/mkPHkYRu3Xg/s1600/NKd.jpg" height="408" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So unique. Love the square button.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qs86NKAWC5Y/VR7oKoom8KI/AAAAAAAAFjk/perC3Q9-9-8/s1600/nkf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qs86NKAWC5Y/VR7oKoom8KI/AAAAAAAAFjk/perC3Q9-9-8/s1600/nkf.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect colors for summer - love this one.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6lV3iKB9Src/VR7oKrkKB0I/AAAAAAAAFjc/tpSCHPsgzv4/s1600/nkg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6lV3iKB9Src/VR7oKrkKB0I/AAAAAAAAFjc/tpSCHPsgzv4/s1600/nkg.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love how the stripes subtly hint at the 4th of July - perfect for the 4th, but still great any other summer day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6mEhniRejsg/VR7oKhuhkCI/AAAAAAAAFjg/uNwIf-XIy6I/s1600/nkh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6mEhniRejsg/VR7oKhuhkCI/AAAAAAAAFjg/uNwIf-XIy6I/s1600/nkh.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This one reminds me of Sweet Honey - but maybe with a hint of tang ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fdz9DYN5Nes/VR7oLVcTm_I/AAAAAAAAFjo/qWOvGZM7y4g/s1600/nki.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Fdz9DYN5Nes/VR7oLVcTm_I/AAAAAAAAFjo/qWOvGZM7y4g/s1600/nki.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's that upper neckline ruffle that gets me here.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VGZXQ_Ha1ic/VR7olSUoHLI/AAAAAAAAFj8/VEZ32qIOidU/s1600/nkz.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VGZXQ_Ha1ic/VR7olSUoHLI/AAAAAAAAFj8/VEZ32qIOidU/s1600/nkz.jpg" height="388" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And some leggings. Love these.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">** Use the code Boston1 for free shipping!! **</span><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1762736094770946238%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-Fdz9DYN5Nes%252FVR7oLVcTm_I%252FAAAAAAAAFjo%252FqWOvGZM7y4g%252Fs1600%252Fnki.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 6464px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1762736094770946238%23editor%2Fsrc%3Ddashboard&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-Fdz9DYN5Nes%252FVR7oLVcTm_I%252FAAAAAAAAFjo%252FqWOvGZM7y4g%252Fs1600%252Fnki.jpg%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 6464px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>ElleMurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585481665526225076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762736094770946238.post-32308043650916308882015-02-08T20:06:00.001-08:002018-03-21T20:03:22.180-07:00Foolproof Perfect French Crepes!These <i>are</i> our Saturdays. My kids have come to expect them every weekend (and every snow day) and I love that; as my husband says, "These are what they'll want when they come back." <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wHbcVxqyDZ8/VNgry9v75SI/AAAAAAAAE1g/hdrq62OR6lA/s1600/IMG_2700.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wHbcVxqyDZ8/VNgry9v75SI/AAAAAAAAE1g/hdrq62OR6lA/s1600/IMG_2700.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I discovered this recipe waaaay back in 2000, when I spent a year studying in France. I was in Brittany, which is considered "the" region for crepes and gallettes (savory crepes). <br />
<br />
As it turns out, there <i>is</i> a trick to making awesome crepes that never fall apart. But it's not what you're thinking. It has nothing to do with any crazy wrist skills or even the type of pan. I actually discovered it as a child, long before I ever set foot in France, by making my own crepes - I noticed that the first few never turned out, but the later ones always did. Eight years later in France I read why: You have to let the batter sit for at least ten minutes, while it "coagulates." Basically, it takes awhile for the eggs and the flour and the milk to all really come together and be ready to stick.<br />
<br />
For real: This recipe is SO easy. If you don't care about tiny lumps in your crepes, you don't even have to sift the flour (you could also try just running a whisk through it). <br />
<br />
<i>Ingredients</i>:<br />
<br />
2 eggs<br />
1 1/4 cups milk<br />
1 tsp vanilla<br />
3 tbsp butter, melted<br />
3 tbsp sugar<br />
1 large pinch of salt<br />
1 cup + 2 tbsp sifted flour<br />
<br />
All you do is mix that list in a blender. That's it. Then let it sit while you get your filling together. Our go-to is fresh strawberries, brown sugar, and whipped cream. But the possibilities are endless. One of my favorites from France was simple lemon juice with extra butter and sugar. Another was what I would call a <i>real</i> chocolate crepe. Little-known fact: Nutella came about during WWII as a substitute (read: consolation prize) when chocolate was scarce. The street venders use it as "chocolate" but real creperies toss straight butter, cocoa powder, and sugar directly onto the crepe as it cooks. So so so SO good that way!<br />
<br />
I have a super shallow nonstick pan specifically made for crepes, kind of like <a href="http://amzn.to/2pvxOst" target="_blank">this one on Amazon</a>, and I highly recommend getting one, though a deeper nonstick is fine if that's all you have and I *think* even a non-nonstick <i>might</i> work with enough butter. To make the crepe, I take a stick of chilled salted butter and run it over the bottom of the pan as it is heating up (low-medium heat). I then stir up the batter with a ladle until it's smooth, and pour some onto the pan (about 1/3 - 1/2 cup). I tilt to cover, and add a little more batter to fill in any gaps. I then wait until it starts bubbling and pulling away from the pan. I personally don't think it's necessary to flip the crepe; it should be thin enough to cook through. Once ready I tilt the pan and it slides right off onto the plate. Nonstick is key here!!<br />
<br />
Voila: Nirvana.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5fwDobAZ4oU/VNgvPFzW-2I/AAAAAAAAE1s/38XR_QDwkDc/s1600/IMG_2701.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5fwDobAZ4oU/VNgvPFzW-2I/AAAAAAAAE1s/38XR_QDwkDc/s1600/IMG_2701.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For this batch, I made my own whipped cream.<br />
All you do is use your whisk attachment to whisk up heavy cream with a little bit of sugar and vanilla. Divine.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LmD_hTwv2UM/VNgvREpd5CI/AAAAAAAAE10/fbEFgSVaT30/s1600/IMG_2695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LmD_hTwv2UM/VNgvREpd5CI/AAAAAAAAE10/fbEFgSVaT30/s1600/IMG_2695.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fresh strawberries and peaches on this one - gotta love August!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="post-body entry-content" id="post-body-3886763369736455798" itemprop="description articleBody" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, tahoma, helvetica, freesans, sans-serif; font-size: 14.52px; line-height: 1.4; position: relative; width: 700px;">
<div>
<div style="font-size: 13.2px;">
<em style="border: 0px; color: #999999; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Married to Medicine Blog is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by linking to amazon.com where products carried on Amazon are mentioned. The above post contains affiliate links. </em></div>
</div>
<div>
<em style="border: 0px; color: #999999; font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></em></div>
<div style="clear: both; font-size: 13.2px;">
</div>
</div>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1762736094770946238%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D3230804365091630888&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-LmD_hTwv2UM%252FVNgvREpd5CI%252FAAAAAAAAE10%252FfbEFgSVaT30%252Fs1600%252FIMG_2695.JPG%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1848px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D1762736094770946238%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D3230804365091630888&media=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com%2Fgadgets%2Fproxy%3Furl%3Dhttp%253A%252F%252F1.bp.blogspot.com%252F-LmD_hTwv2UM%252FVNgvREpd5CI%252FAAAAAAAAE10%252FfbEFgSVaT30%252Fs1600%252FIMG_2695.JPG%26container%3Dblogger%26gadget%3Da%26rewriteMime%3Dimage%252F*&xm=h&xv=sa1.35&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 33px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1848px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>ElleMurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585481665526225076noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762736094770946238.post-41682394669459567192015-02-08T11:08:00.002-08:002015-03-15T18:02:29.208-07:00One-Pot Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup: Our #1 Fave, EASY Meal!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--y00m45DgZQ/VNezwM4hGoI/AAAAAAAAE0w/bdX4VRJ99fU/s1600/IMG_6795.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--y00m45DgZQ/VNezwM4hGoI/AAAAAAAAE0w/bdX4VRJ99fU/s1600/IMG_6795.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
I'm not one to repeat recipes often. I get bored too easily! But this is one recipe we have all the time. Whenever we haven't <i>just</i> had it, really. It hits every mark:<br />
<br />
<div>
<ul>
<li>It's delicious;</li>
<li>It's easy - <i>crazy</i> easy;</li>
<li>It makes a ton; </li>
<li>It uses lots of veggies; and</li>
<li>Even the kids love it</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
<br />
I adapted this recipe from <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Italian-Sausage-Soup-with-Tortellini/Detail.aspx?event8=1&prop24=SR_Title&e11=italian%20sausage%20tortellini%20soup&e8=Quick%20Search&event10=1&e7=Home%20Page&soid=sr_results_p1i1">allrecipes.com</a>, on which it has a full five stars out of 1,300+ reviews. My changes make it super easy and super fast, and the taste is the exact same. So, without further ado:</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: x-large;">One-Pot Italian Sausage Tortellini Soup</span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1 pound sweet italian sausage</div>
<div>
1 onion, chopped</div>
<div>
2 cloves garlic, minced or crushed</div>
<div>
9 cups of beef broth (I prefer "Better than Bouillon" - I add 9 cups of water + 3 tbsp of BTB)</div>
<div>
1/2 cup water</div>
<div>
1/2 cup red wine</div>
<div>
2 cans of peeled, diced tomatoes</div>
<div>
2-3 large carrots, sliced</div>
<div>
Basil to taste - fresh if you have it</div>
<div>
1/2 tsp dried oregano</div>
<div>
1 8-oz can tomato sauce</div>
<div>
2-3 zucchinis, (2 if very large), sliced</div>
<div>
1 full bag of baby spinach</div>
<div>
8-16 ounces fresh tortellini pasta (your preference; I like more pasta)</div>
<div>
Parmesan or Asiago to sprinkle</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Slit the casings of the sausage and push the sausage out; discard casings. In large (your BIGGEST) pot over medium heat, cook the sausage with the onion until nearly all browned. Add carrots and garlic and sauté a bit longer (enough to finish the sausage and release the garlic aroma, maybe 10 minutes). Add everything else to the pot other than the zucchinis, pasta, and baby spinach. Simmer until carrots are tender (60ish minutes). With about half an hour to go, add the zucchinis. With about 10 minutes to go, add the pasta and the baby spinach. Serve with cheese to garnish.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Perfect on a cold winter's day!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gk__etYSfsk/VNezoayeIHI/AAAAAAAAE0o/1j-sNY6uxpY/s1600/IMG_6793.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gk__etYSfsk/VNezoayeIHI/AAAAAAAAE0o/1j-sNY6uxpY/s1600/IMG_6793.JPG" height="425" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
ElleMurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585481665526225076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1762736094770946238.post-80815413974674727612015-01-25T19:52:00.002-08:002015-01-25T20:41:25.322-08:00GIVEAWAY! One Gorgeous, Toasty, Tuff Kookooshka SeaCozy!!!Just when you thought Tuff Kookooshka couldn't get any better -<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Adorable 100% Polartec Fleece jackets in unique, creative designs;</li>
<li>Not only the coats <i>but the fabric itself </i>ethically made in the U.S.; </li>
<li>A small, family-owned company started out of one artist's basement as she knit together salvaged scraps of materials;</li>
<li>Coats that are warm enough for almost all winter days, but thin enough to be safe for car seats;</li>
</ul>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It <b>did</b>. !!!!!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Tuff Kookooshka has a new and exciting product, their SeaCozies. Your kids will love snuggling up in these fun and gorgeous wearable blankets. They're perfect for keeping warm for a movie on the couch or adding extra warmth anywhere else you happen to be getting cozy. These adorable little sacks capture the fun and whimsy of childhood perfectly, and the fabric is the same beautiful polartec fleece milled right here in Massachusetts that you find on their coats. </div>
<br />
I am thrilled and honored to once again be partnering with Tuff Kookooshka for a giveaway! One lucky reader will receive a voucher for a FREE SeaCozy of his or her choice, a $99.00 value. All you have to do to enter is "like" my blog's Facebook page, "<a href="https://www.facebook.com/MarriedtoMedicineBlog" target="_blank">Married to Medicine Blog</a>." Then find the post for the blog entry you're reading right now, and comment below it with the size and type of SeaCozy you would choose (click <a href="http://kookooshka.com/collections/seacozy-by-tuff-kookooshka" target="_blank">HERE</a> to view the options on Tuff Kookooshka's website). At 12:00 pm E.T. on Monday, February 2nd, one lucky winner will be chosen from the comments and will receive a code for the free SeaCozy. ONE entry comment per person please; Facebook accounts with more than one entry will be deleted from the thread.<br />
<br />
Good luck to everyone!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J0CLn12wmCw/VMWzJgBDQfI/AAAAAAAAEwU/johsQTvzf54/s1600/IMG_6653.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J0CLn12wmCw/VMWzJgBDQfI/AAAAAAAAEwU/johsQTvzf54/s1600/IMG_6653.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3D2G6s3yw4/VMW5NQWTWoI/AAAAAAAAEwk/fO8ziuZaWyw/s1600/mermaid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P3D2G6s3yw4/VMW5NQWTWoI/AAAAAAAAEwk/fO8ziuZaWyw/s1600/mermaid.jpg" height="604" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pSlrezeauFE/VMW5XrR7O4I/AAAAAAAAEws/9UP1T9gqgLQ/s1600/Shark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pSlrezeauFE/VMW5XrR7O4I/AAAAAAAAEws/9UP1T9gqgLQ/s1600/Shark.jpg" height="508" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />ElleMurahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01585481665526225076noreply@blogger.com12